Structural and functional neuroplasticity in music and dance-based rehabilitation: a systematic review

Journal of Neurology, 2025 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-025-13048-6 · Published: March 7, 2025

Neurology Neuroplasticity Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

Music and dance-based therapies are increasingly used to help people with neurological disorders by improving their motor skills, thinking abilities, mood, and social interactions. This review looks at studies that used brain scans to see how these therapies change the structure and function of the brain in people with neurological conditions. The review found that these therapies can lead to significant changes in the brain and improvements in behavior, but there are some issues with how the studies were conducted that need to be addressed in future research.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

718 subjects with neurological disorders

Evidence Level

Systematic Review of RCTs

Key Findings

1
Dance-based interventions can help prevent brain shrinkage in areas important for memory, especially in people at risk of dementia.
2
Music-based interventions can improve language skills and memory in stroke patients by strengthening connections between brain areas involved in language and memory.
3
Active music playing can improve executive functions in patients with traumatic brain injury, leading to changes in brain connectivity patterns.

Research Summary

This systematic review examined the effects of music and dance-based rehabilitation on neuroplasticity in individuals with neurological disorders, focusing on studies that used neuroimaging techniques. The review found significant effects on both behavioral and neuroimaging outcomes, demonstrating the potential of these interventions to induce neuroplastic changes. The review identified limitations in the included studies, such as a lack of prior registration of neuroimaging markers, small sample sizes, and heterogeneity in intervention protocols, which restrict the ability to draw definitive conclusions.

Practical Implications

Rehabilitation Strategies

Music and dance-based interventions can be integrated into rehabilitation programs for neurological disorders, particularly for dementia, stroke, and traumatic brain injury.

Further Research

Future research should focus on standardizing neuroimaging biomarkers and intervention protocols to enhance the quality and reproducibility of findings.

Clinical Practice

Clinicians should consider the potential benefits of music and dance therapy for preserving or restoring cognitive and motor functions, ultimately improving patients' quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
Lack of prior registration of neuroimaging markers
2
Small number of participants in some trials
3
Heterogeneity in intervention protocols and neuroimaging biomarkers across studies

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