Assessment of Music Therapy for Rehabilitation Among Physically Disabled People in Chiang Mai Province: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Music has been shown to possess a profound effect on body and mind and can be applied as a therapeutic intervention to modify physiological, psychological, and mental aspects of function. The purpose of this study was to apply music components as a therapeutic tool for improving muscle strength, spasticity, lung capacity, self-esteem, and quality of life (QOL) among 39 children with physical disabilities, from Srisangwan Chiang Mai School in Thailand. The children were assigned to play therapeutic songs, parts of which were selected to match his or her instrument, physical capacity, and music capability. Therapeutic musical notes were designed to improve the children’s capability by means of routine music practices. During the study, rehearsals and performances in public as part of a band ensemble were arranged for the children to promote social integration. The results of the therapeutic music program provided indicated that a music therapy could improve grip strength, increase lung capacity, reduce muscle spasticity, and increase self-esteem and QOL and did so for the study participants with physical disabilities. The increase in finger grip strength, especially the lateral pinch grip, was significant in the melodeon group. Increased self-esteem, QOL score, and lung capacity was obvious after the 18-month program. Not only did this musical intervention provide a holistic approach for the children with disabilities, but it also provided an observable spirit boost and improved self-esteem for the children involved and their caregivers during the musical performances. © 2013, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.