14 Oct 2015

Julian O’Kelly, Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, UK
Wendesday, October 14, 2015, 3:30 pm, room 55.410

Host: Rafael Ramirez

Title: Music Therapy with Prolonged Disorders of Consciousness: in Retrospect and Prospect

Abstract:
Music therapists have been researching the effects of music therapy with those in coma, vegetative and minimally conscious states for over thirty years. This talk will provide an overview of the development of contrasting music therapy approaches during this period, arguing the case for more standardised approaches using concensus nomenclature, and greater dialogue with neuroscience going forward. This perspective has informed the development of two neurophysiological and behavioral studies exploring the effects of music therapy in the assessment and rehabilitation for those with prolonged disorders of consciousness (PDOC). Preliminary findings will be presented from a cross-over study comparing the rehabilitative and prognostic potential of music therapy to preferred text narration, using a range of neurophysiological measures (EEG, heart rate variability, respiration) and video time sampled behavioral data. Findings will be discussed in relation to other models of practice, the complexity of the field of research, and the potential of music therapy as a tool for revealing what intact brain network activity exists in those with PDOC. Reflections will be provided on the relevance of these findings to the UK model of neuro-rehabilitation and the sustainability of music therapy in this competitive market.