Enhancing Attention and Processing Speed Through Home-based Music Rehabilitation Program After Stroke in Malaysia

Stroke often leads to significant cognitive impairment, impacting quality of life. While existing rehabilitation options exist, there's a need for innovative, accessible, and patient-centered solutions. Research suggests music can engage multiple brain networks associated with sensory and motor processes, cognition, and affective regulation, potentially enhancing cognitive functions like attention and processing speed as well. Home-based interventions have also demonstrated positive impacts on rehabilitation adherence and outcomes. Building on this foundation, this study proposes to develop and pilot test a home-based musical rehabilitation program to improve attention and processing speed in Malaysian stroke survivors.

Inclusion criteria: 1. Age \< 75 years 2. First-episode stroke within the last 12 months 3. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) of 15- 25, with impairment defined as failure to achieve the prespecified minimum score on the attention-related MoCA items. 4. Sufficient cognitive ability to follow multi-step instructions 5. Functional use of at least one upper limb to perform musical/rhythmic movements 6. Medically stable with the ability to maintain an upright sitting position with good balance Exclusion criteria: 1. Uncontrolled psychiatric or behavioural disorders that may interfere with participation 2. Uncontrolled seizures or epilepsy 3. Significant aphasia or hemispatial neglect 4. Severe visual or visual field deficits