Although there are several studies on music therapy techniques for gait, there are fewer for upper body movement. Two studies have just been published on Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance (TIMP).

Chong et al. (2013a)** studied the use of piano playing (TIMP) for adults with cerebral palsy. Five adults received 12 30-minute sessions over 6 to 9 weeks. The researchers measured velocity (finger force) on a MIDI instrument. The researchers reported that the participants used their fingers to play melodic lines from preferred music. These data were compared to a sample of 20 adults with no disability. Results indicated that the adults with CP had no significant difference in their velocity compared to typical adults after the TIMP intervention phase (demonstrating improvements).

This study shows that a small sample improved in measure of velocity on the piano. One aspect that should be considered is if exposure (not strength) increased velocity on the piano. Having a separate group complete the tests without the TIMP protocol could help determine if exposure to the testing measure could result in increased velocity.

More information about the melodic lines played would be helpful for interpreting this study. Was the melodic line written so “weaker” fingers played more, or did the number of times a particular finger played depend on the melodic line? Lastly, it would be nice to add a functional non-musical measure, since the measure in this study was playing a keyboard and the purpose of TIMP is to improve functional motor abilities. Overall, this initial evidence on TIMP is very exciting.

Chong and colleagues (2013b) completed another study using a TIMP protocol with 8 adolescents with brain injury. The measures utilized in this study included functional tests of hand function (Grip and Pinch Power Test, Box and Block Test of Manual Dexterity, and the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test). Results indicated significant improvement for the index, middle, and little finger post intervention.

An interesting finding from this study was strong correlations between velocity MIDI measures and several of the functional tests. This could possibility indicate generalization from piano playing to other functional hand movements, which would answer my earlier question about the functional transfer. However, more research with a larger sample size is needed.

Both of these studies were completed with a small sample size, which can result in statistical testing error. I am excited to see these studies and think they provide some nice initial evidence that can be used to inform larger studies with clinical populations.

References:

**Free Access Article!

Chong, H.J., Cho, S.R., Jeong, E., & Kim, S.J. (2013a). Finger exercise with keyboard playing in adults with cerebral palsy: A preliminary study. J Exerc Rehabil., 9(4), 420-425. PMID: 24278895.

Chong HJ, Cho SR, Kim SJ. (2013b). Hand rehabilitation using MIDI keyboard playing in adolescents with brain damage: A preliminary study. NeuroRehabilitation. [Epub ahead of print]. PMID: 24270322