Stroke often leads to significant cognitive impairment, impacting quality of life. While existing rehabilitation options exist, there's a need for innovative, accessible, and patient-centered solutions. Research suggests music can engage multiple brain networks associated with sensory and motor processes, cognition, and affective regulation, potentially enhancing cognitive functions like attention and processing speed as well. Home-based interventions have also demonstrated positive impacts on rehabilitation adherence and outcomes. Building on this foundation, this study proposes to develop and pilot test a home-based musical rehabilitation program to improve attention and processing speed in Malaysian stroke survivors.
Age < 75 years
First-episode stroke within the last 12 months
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) of 15- 25, with impairment defined as failure to achieve the prespecified minimum score on the attention-related MoCA items.
Sufficient cognitive ability to follow multi-step instructions
Uncontrolled psychiatric or behavioural disorders that may interfere with participation
Uncontrolled seizures or epilepsy
Significant aphasia or hemispatial neglect
Severe visual or visual field deficits