Musical Neglect Training for Patients With Visual Neglect

Hemispatial Neglect Clinical Trial

Official title:

Musical Neglect Training for Unilateral Visual Neglect in Right Hemispheric Stroke Patients

Clinical Trial Details — Status: Completed

Administrative data

• NCT number: NCT03516825
• Other study ID #: 14-5432H
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: January 27, 2015
• Est. completion date: January 28, 2016

Study information

• Verified date: May 2018
• Source: University of Toronto
• Contact: n/a
• Is FDA regulated: No
• Study type: Interventional

Clinical Trial Summary

Music Neglect Training has been developed for patients with hemispatial neglect to improve their attention on the left side. The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate and carry-over effect of Musical Neglect Training on unilateral visual neglect. Standardized assessments (Albert's test and Line Bisection Test) were used to measure a range of visual field. A total of 6 musical exercises with tone bars which are aligned horizontally helped to improve attention and perception of the visual field on the left side.

Description:

Unilateral visual neglect from right hemisphere stroke is a condition that reduces a person's ability to attend to and process stimuli in one half, mostly left side, of their environment. This perceptual processing deficit can negatively affect individuals' daily living which in turn reduces functional independence. Music has been used as a therapeutic tool in a variety of settings to promote cognitive functions. In particular, music has been used to improve attention in the left sides for patients with visual neglect. Musical Neglect Training (MNT) has been developed for patients with visual neglect to improve attention in the left side.

The purpose of this study was to examine the immediate and longer-lasting effect of Musical Neglect Training (MNT) on unilateral visual neglect. A single-subject design was used, as participants served as their own control. Two individuals participated in this study. Participants underwent six individual MNT sessions. MNT uses musical exercises which are structured in pitch, time and tempo, and musical equipment (tone bars, keyboards, drums) configures to focus attention to the neglect visual field. Two standardized assessments (Albert's and Line Bisection Test) were used. The assessments were administered immediately before and after each of the 6 MNT sessions to assess the immediate effect of MNT. Moreover, follow-up testing was done one week after their 6th session to examine the longer-lasting effects of MNT. Paired t-test was used to examine the immediate effect, and both participants showed significant improvement with Albert's Test in immediate effect.

Recruitment information / eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Enrollment: 2
• Est. completion date: January 28, 2016
• Est. primary completion date: January 28, 2016
• Accepts healthy volunteers: No
• Gender: All
• Age group: N/A and older

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with visual neglect after stroke

• right-handed

• medically stable

• no previous music therapy experiences

• no hearing impairments

• no cognitive deficits

Exclusion Criteria:

• hemianopia

• previous music therapy treatment experiences

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Hemispatial Neglect
• Perceptual Disorders

Intervention

Other:
• Musical Neglect Training
MNT uses musical exercises which are structured in pitch, time and tempo, and musical equipment (tone bars, keyboards, drums) configures to focus attention to the neglect visual field.

Locations

Country	Name	City	State
n/a

Sponsors (2)

Lead Sponsor	Collaborator
University of Toronto	Colorado State University

Outcome

Type	Measure	Description	Time frame	Safety issue
Primary	Changes of Albert's Test between before and after the sessions	The Albert's Test was scored as the number of uncrossed lines on the sheet. The test paper consisted of 18 lines on each side, and 4 lines in the center. Since the un-crossed lines have been calculated, less score indicates positive outcomes.	Albert's test was given to participants before and after of all 6 sessions. The outcome measure was assessed two days a week for three weeks. Also, follow-up testing was done one week after their 6th session to examine the longer-lasting effects of MNT.
Primary	Changes of Line Bisection Test between before and after the sessions	The Line Bisection Test was calculated as percentage of the deviation from the true center of the line. A different length of 17 lines were aligned horizontally on the test paper. Since the deviation from the true central point has been measured, less score indicates positive outcomes.	Line Bisection was given to participants before and after of all 6 sessions. The outcome measure was assessed two days a week for three weeks. Also, follow-up testing was done one week after their 6th session to examine the longer-lasting effects of MNT.