Enhancing Attention and Processing Speed Through Home-based Music Rehabilitation Program After Stroke in Malaysia
HMRPAS
2 other identifiers
interventional
36
1 country
1
Brief Summary
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.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P25-P50 for not_applicable stroke
Started Apr 2026
Shorter than P25 for not_applicable stroke
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
March 27, 2026
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
April 1, 2026
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
April 13, 2026
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
September 30, 2026
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
October 31, 2026
April 13, 2026
March 1, 2026
6 months
March 27, 2026
April 7, 2026
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (4)
Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a widely used cognitive screening tool designed to detect mild cognitive impairment. It demonstrates higher sensitivity in identifying subtle cognitive deficits compared to other screening instruments. Scale Range: 0 to 30 Interpretation: Higher scores indicate better cognitive function Cut-off Score: A score of 26 and above is generally considered normal cognitive function
4 months
Trail Making Test (TMT A and B)
Trail Making Tests are tests of speed for attention, sequencing, mental flexibility, visual search, and motor function.
4 months
Digit Span (Forward and Backward)
Forward Digit Span (FDS) assesses short-term, auditory memory, while Backward Digit Span (BDS) tests working memory and central executive processing.
4 months
Clock Drawing Test (CDT)
The Clock Drawing Test (CDT) is a quick,, widely used neurocognitive screening tool designed to detect dementia, Alzheimer's, and other cognitive impairments.
4 months
Secondary Outcomes (1)
Cogniplus software for Reaction Time and Attention tests
4 months
Study Arms (2)
Experimental: Home-Based Music Therapy Rehabilitation Program
EXPERIMENTAL1. Song Materials and Levels The song materials selected for this research will be sourced from copyrighted compositions under UM Centre of Innovation and Enterprise (UMCIE). This maximizes the utilization of readily available resources and serves as a platform for promoting the original works of UM lecturers. The songs are organised into three difficulty levels, with approximately five songs per level. Songs within each level have equivalent rhythmic and cognitive demands, allowing variation without altering task difficulty. 2. Baseline Assessment for Music Therapy Participants will undergo an initial level assessment conducted at the hospital by the trained music therapist. If travel is not feasible, level assessment is conducted at the participant's home. The songs will be presented to the participants and they will choose one song to start.
Placebo Comparator: Control group
PLACEBO COMPARATORParticipants in the control group continue with usual standard neurorehabilitation program as prescribed by the rehabilitation team, without exposure to the music-based intervention. This will provide a baseline to compare outcomes with the intervention group and evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effects of the music therapy intervention. The usual cognitive rehabilitation program during the subacute stroke period focuses on restoring cognitive abilities such as attention, memory, executive functions, and communication.
Interventions
* A certified music therapist will conduct an initial assessment (at the hospital or at your home if travel is not feasible). * You and your caregiver will receive structured training so you can carry out the programme at home independently. * You will complete home sessions of about 40 minutes per session, daily for 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. * Your caregiver will use a simple checklist after each session to record completion, duration, alertness, fatigue, and any concerns. * The therapist will make weekly phone calls to support adherence and address questions. * The therapist will conduct level checks approximately after 2 weeks (at hospital or at home) and may adjust the song tasks to match your progress.
* You will continue with the standard neurorehabilitation programme as prescribed by your rehabilitation team. * You will not take part in the home-based music therapy programme.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Diagnosed with ischemic or haemorrhagic stroke confirmed by CT scan
- to 70 years old
- Duration of stroke within the first one year
- Ability to provide informed consent
- Understands Bahasa Melayu or English with basic communication abilities to follow instructions during therapy sessions
- Mild to moderate cognitive impairments with MoCA score of 10-25, with incomplete score for the attention sections
- Availability of caregiver (formal or informal) who can assist in the music therapy, monitor and give feedback during the music therapy sessions at home
- Have one normal functioning hand to perform the movements during the music therapy rehabilitation program
- Have good balance and able to sit upright
You may not qualify if:
- Severe aphasia
- Significant uncorrected hearing or visual impairments preventing engagement in music therapy.
- Severe or unstable medical conditions (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes).
- Medications that significantly impair cognition or motor function (e.g., high-dose sedatives).
- History of neurological diseases other than stroke (eg, Parkinson's disease).
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
Universiti Malaya Medical Centre
Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur, 50603, Malaysia
Related Links
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Interventions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Officials
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Wen Fen Beh, PhD
Universitiy of Malaya
Central Study Contacts
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- QUADRUPLE
- Who Masked
- PARTICIPANT, CARE PROVIDER, INVESTIGATOR, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
- Purpose
- TREATMENT
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- SPONSOR
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
March 27, 2026
First Posted
April 13, 2026
Study Start
April 1, 2026
Primary Completion (Estimated)
September 30, 2026
Study Completion (Estimated)
October 31, 2026
Last Updated
April 13, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-03
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share