Recruiting

Efficacy of Music-Based Telerehabilitation After Stroke

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT06804304

PhaseNA

Enrollment100

SponsorTeppo Sarkamo

Age30 Years

SexALL

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Conditions studied

Stroke

About this study

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a music-based telerehabilitation intervention implemented at home works to treat different kinds of neurological deficits caused by stroke. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1) Can the music intervention improve recovery of cognitive, verbal, motor, and emotional deficits after stroke, 2) can the music intervention enhance structural and functional recovery of the brain, and (3) how different demographic, musical, and clinical background factors affect the way the music intervention works. Researchers will compare the music intervention to standard (usual) care to see if the music intervention works to treat the deficits caused by stroke. Subjects are stroke patients who will participate either in the music intervention 5 times/week for 10 weeks in addition to standard care or receive standard care only. During the trial, the subjects will undergo neuropsychological testing and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) three times: at baseline (before the intervention), at 3-month stage (immediately after the intervention), and at 6-month stage (3 months after the intervention).

Interventions

Behavioral: Music-based telerehabilitation — The music-based telerehabilitation program is a 10-week multicomponent intervention which includes (1) rhythm-based training of motor and cognitive (attention, working memory, executive function) functions, (2) singing-based training of speech production (using singing and melodic intonation therapy training), (3) playing-based training of upper-extremity motor functions (using instrumental training with a xylophone), and (4) music listening for enhancement of mood, attention, and memory. Training is done using a tablet computer and an online platform comprising a collection of short (3-5 min) training videos for each of the 4 training modules, which the patients are instructed to train with at home for 4 days / week (60 min/day). Additionally, the patients participate in a remote (online) music therapy session led by a music therapist for 1 day/week (60 min).

Primary outcomes

Change in the cognitive functioning summary score from baseline to 3-month stage (Baseline and 3-month stage)
Change in the speech production summary score from baseline to 3-month stage (Baseline and 3-month stage)
Change in the upper-extremity motor function summary score from baseline to 3-month stage (Baseline and 3-month stage)
Change in the mood and quality of life summary score from baseline to 3-month stage (Baseline and 3-month stage)

Eligibility information

Inclusion Criteria: * Left or right hemisphere stroke which has occurred at least 3 months ago * At least mild cognitive deficit and mild aphasia / upper-extremity hemiparesis caused by the stroke * Age 30-80 years * Finnish-speaking (or bilingual, able to participate in Finnish) * Understands the purpose of the study and is able to give informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Prior significant hearing or visual impairment * Prior severe psychiatric illness (e.g., schizopheria, bipolar disorder, severe unipolar depression) * Prior severe neurological illness (e.g., brain injury, dementia; can have prior TIA or mild stroke)

Study locations

University of Helsinki / Faculty of Medicine / Department of Psychology, Helsinki, 00014 Finland

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.