Music therapy to improve hand movement in stroke patients

Stroke Patients', Music Therapist' Engagement and Patients' Finger Movement During Music Therapeutic Interaction - A Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Reuth Rehabilitation Hospital · NCT05399121

This study tests if music therapy, using piano learning and free improvisation, can help stroke patients improve their finger movement and stay engaged during rehabilitation.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorReuth Rehabilitation Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Tel Aviv)
Trial IDNCT05399121 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of music therapeutic interaction on stroke patients' engagement and finger movement. It focuses on comparing two types of music exercises: Piano Learning and Free Improvisation, while assessing the real-time engagement levels of both the patient and the music therapist. The study aims to understand how these interactions can enhance the rehabilitation process for patients with hemiparesis following a stroke. Participants will be evaluated on their finger tapping movements and engagement levels during these exercises compared to their baseline performance.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include right-handed adults over 18 years old who have experienced a unilateral stroke resulting in right-side hemiparesis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not speak or understand Hebrew or those with global aphasia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve hand function and engagement in stroke rehabilitation for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While music therapy has been explored in various rehabilitation contexts, this specific approach combining real-time engagement assessment with music therapeutic interaction is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients after unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with right-side hemiparesis (left hemisphere stroke)
2. Men and women age above 18 years old.
3. Right-handed patients.
4. Patients with sufficient autonomy in motor functions of the affected upper limb - Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) of the upper limb - Grades between 3-/5 and 4+/5 (inclusive) in at least 3 out of 5 muscle groups of the affected upper limb (shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist, and fingers).
5. Patients able to understand, agree, and sign an Informed Consent Form.
6. Patients with no previous formal piano playing education.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who do not speak or understand Hebrew at a sufficient level.
2. Patients with global aphasia

Where this trial is running

Tel Aviv

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hemiparesis, Poststroke/CVA, music therapy, Music Therapeutic Interaction, engagement, EEG, hyperscanning, finger tapping movement

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.