Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology
SCOPUS
  • Year: 2025
  • Volume: 18
  • Issue: 6

The impact of music-supported therapy on quality of life in patients recovering from a stroke: A narrative review

  • Author:
  • Lee Wan Zhen1,2, Garry Kuan3,*, U.S. Mahadeva Rao4, Nor Farid Bin Mohd Noor5, Suganya Mahadeva Rao6, Muhammad Hafiz Hanafi7, Yee Cheng Kueh8, Kavinthiran Murty9, Pavitra Sandranggan9, Suchitra Solomon J Raja9, Vinoth Kumar Selvaraj10, M. Bala Sundaram11, Kalandar Ameer11
  • Total Page Count: 8
  • Page Number: 2930 to 2937

1Department of Wellness, Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism And Wellness (FHPK), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kampus Kota, Kelantan, Malaysia

10School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Profession, AIMST University, Bedong-Kedah, 08100, Malaysia

11Unit of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Bedong, Kedah, 08100, Malaysia

2Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

3Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

4School of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kampus Perubatan, UniSZA, 20400, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

5School of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kampus Perubatan, UniSZA, 20400, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia

6People’s College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, People’s University, Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, India

7Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia

8Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

9School of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Profession, AIMST University, Bedong-Kedah, 08100

*Corresponding Author E-mail: garry@usm.my

Online published on 7 Ocotber, 2025.

Abstract

Stroke, a main cause of disability around the world with it's affecting not only on physical but also cognitive and emotional health. Therefore, music therapy has become more popular traditional treatments to stroke rehabilitation due to its target multiple aspects of healing. As the review examines how Music-Supported Therapy (MST) can make stroke recovery, which by improving their motor function, mood, and overall health status. Besides, some research also shown that music therapy can help stroke survivors reactivate their motor skills, enhance cognitive function, and support their emotional recovery. For instance, it can improve their ability to walk or stand, training their hand strength, and improving overall quality of life. MST has also been found to help reduce the feelings of depression and anxiety of the survivors who are facing after a stroke. MST promotes neuroplasticity in stroke patients, improving emotional well-being, motor, and mental abilities. It boosts mood and overall wellness. Musical activities provide motivation and spirits during rehabilitation. MST is a specialized treatment for stroke recovery, stimulating neurons and activating brain networks, contributing significantly to recovery. Individual who recovering from stroke can have considerable improvements in their emotional state, physical cognitive function, and neuroplasticity with the medically proven Therapeutic Techniques (MST). This therapy is truly effective for stroke sufferers, who frequently struggle in these cases. MST's regimented nature gives them a sense of control and accomplishment, which may boost their morale and drive during their rehabilitation period. It is a promising therapeutic since its capacity to link various brain networks and stimulate neuroplasticity as well. Furthermore, incorporating MST into stroke rehabilitation programs also increase patients' happiness, quality of life, and most important is easing reintegration into society and boosting long-term recovery outcomes.

Keywords

Music-supported therapy, Music therapy, Anxiety and depression, Stroke, Post stroke, Gait, Arm strength function, Quality of life