The Science Behind Vivo PD
A Comprehensive Music Psychotherapy Program for Parkinson's Disease
The Transformative Power of
Music Psychotherapy in Parkinson’s Disease
by Tian Ip, founder of Vivo PD
Imagine a world where every step feels uncertain, speech becomes a struggle, and daily tasks require immense effort. This is the reality for many living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), a progressive neurological disorder affecting movement and coordination. While traditional treatments focus on medication and physical therapy, an innovative approach is gaining recognition: music psychotherapy. This therapeutic modality harnesses the power of music to address both motor and non-motor symptoms of PD, offering hope and improved quality of life to those affected.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease primarily impacts the brain's dopamine-producing neurons, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, and balance difficulties. Beyond these motor symptoms, individuals may experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive challenges. Managing PD requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both physical and emotional aspects of the disease.
Scientific Validation of Music Psychotherapy for Parkinson's Disease
The therapeutic effects of music therapy and psychotherapy interventions utilized in the Vivo PD program are substantiated by extensive scientific research. The Institute for Music and Neurologic Function (IMNF) has demonstrated that music therapy can aid in regaining motor skills, improving memory, and enhancing overall neurological function in individuals with neurological conditions, including Parkinson's Disease (Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, n.d.).
Research indicates that music therapy offers cognitive, psychosocial, behavioral, and motor benefits for individuals with neurological disorders such as PD. Additionally, studies have shown that neurologic music therapy can improve fine motor movements in PD patients, enhancing their ability to perform daily tasks (Raglio et al., 2015).
Furthermore, the integration of psychotherapy elements within music therapy sessions has been associated with improvements in mood and quality of life for individuals with PD. Engaging in music therapy can stimulate neural pathways, promoting neuroplasticity and aiding in the management of both motor and non-motor symptoms of the disease (Stegemöller, 2014).
Recent studies have highlighted the efficacy of specific interventions within music therapy. For instance, rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) has been shown to improve gait parameters such as walking speed and stride length in PD patients (Ghai et al., 2018). Fine motor movement exercises synchronized to a beat can enhance motor timing and coordination (Dalla Bella et al., 2017). Moreover, active participation in music-making, such as playing instruments, can lead to improvements in fine motor skills and overall motor function (Buard et al., 2024).
These findings underscore the potential of music as a non-pharmacological intervention in PD management, highlighting its role in addressing the complex symptomatology of the disease and enhancing patients' overall well-being.
The Use of Music Psychotherapy to Target Different Parkinsonian Symptoms
Music psychotherapy combines musical activities with therapeutic techniques to promote healing and well-being. For individuals with PD, this approach offers unique benefits:
1. Enhancing Motor Function
Rhythm is a fundamental element of music that can influence movement. Studies have shown that rhythmic auditory stimulation helps improve gait and coordination in PD patients. By synchronizing movements to a musical beat, individuals can experience smoother and more controlled motions. This rhythmic engagement can lead to increased dopamine levels, aiding in motor function improvement (Ghai et al., 2018).
A study by Tang and Liang (2020) found that daily finger tapping exercises synchronized to music improved both motor and cognitive functions in PD patients. Furthermore, Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance (TIMP), which involves playing instruments like drums or keyboards, has been effective in improving fine motor skills and coordination (Buard et al., 2024). In addition to rhythmic auditory stimulation, interventions such as music-based synchronous finger tapping have demonstrated efficacy in enhancing motor control. Dalla Bella et al. (2017) found that PD patients who engaged in finger tapping tasks synchronized to a beat showed significant improvements in motor timing. Walking to music, another rhythmic intervention, has been shown to improve gait parameters, including walking speed and stride length (de Bruin et al., 2010).
2. Improving Speech and Communication
Speech difficulties are common in PD, often characterized by reduced volume and clarity. Singing and vocal exercises within music therapy sessions can strengthen the muscles involved in speech production. This not only enhances vocal strength but also boosts confidence in communication, leading to more engaging social interactions (Parkinson's UK, n.d.). Moreover, verbal processing through songwriting and lyrical analysis in music therapy sessions can facilitate emotional expression and cognitive engagement, further supporting communication skills in PD patients (Yinger & Lapointe, 2012). Moreover, rhythmic speech cueing, which involves speaking in time with a rhythmic beat, has been shown to improve speech intelligibility and fluency in PD patients (Tamplin et al., 2013).
3. Cognitive Benefits
Engaging with music stimulates various areas of the brain responsible for memory, attention, and executive functions. Learning new songs or rhythms can challenge cognitive processes, promoting mental agility. This cognitive stimulation is crucial in slowing the progression of cognitive decline associated with PD (Bugos & Kochar, 2017). Furthermore, playing musical instruments requires the integration of sensory and motor functions, which can enhance cognitive flexibility and executive functioning. Buard et al. (2024) demonstrated that PD patients who participated in instrument playing showed improvements in executive functions.
4. Emotional Well-being
Music has the innate ability to evoke emotions and memories, providing an outlet for expression and processing of feelings. Participating in music therapy can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, fostering a sense of accomplishment and joy. The communal aspect of group sessions also combats feelings of isolation, promoting social connectedness (Dobbin et al., 2022). Integrating verbal processing into music therapy sessions allows individuals to discuss their experiences and emotions, further enhancing psychological well-being. Erkkilä et al. (2011) found that combining music therapy with verbal reflection led to significant reductions in depressive symptoms among participants.
The Uniqueness of Vivo PD
In developing the Vivo PD program, I have meticulously integrated evidence-based methodologies to holistically address the multifaceted symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (PD), encompassing motor, cognitive, psychological, and speech domains. By incorporating Neurologic Music Therapy strategies for neurological rehabilitation, the program leverages rhythm and melody to enhance motor functions, such as gait and balance, through rhythmic auditory stimulation, which has been shown to improve movement-related symptoms in PD patients (Ashore et al., 2015). Music-based movement therapy methods are utilized to improve gait disorders and overall motor function (Zhou et al., 2021). Cardio-drumming and body percussion exercises are included to enhance coordination, balance, and muscle strength, while also promoting social interaction and mood elevation (Yoon Irons et al., 2024). Additionally, the use of body percussion and urban rhythms, as seen in the BAPNE method, serves as an interdisciplinary resource that can benefit cognitive and motor functions in PD patients (Romero-Naranjo, 2022). Active music therapy, involving playing musical instruments, is employed to stimulate cognitive functions and enhance global rhythmic skills, thereby improving coordination and timing (Buard et al., 2024). Vocal exercises specifically target speech issues, aiming to strengthen the muscles involved in speech production and improve communication abilities (Parkinson's UK, n.d.). The methods and their targeted symptoms described above are incorporated into the program design of Vivo PD. Each session is thoughtfully designed so that individual activities address multiple symptomatic areas simultaneously and lead seamlessly from one to the next, facilitating skill-building across sessions. Lastly, the program incorporates psychotherapy aspects, including open discussions and verbal processing, to address psychological well-being and foster a supportive community among participants (Dobbin et al., 2022).
Real-Life Impact
Consider the inspiring story of musician Joni Mitchell, who, after suffering a debilitating brain aneurysm in 2015, utilized music therapy in her recovery. Tailored musical interventions, crafted by her friend and neuroscientist Daniel Levitin, played a crucial role in her rehabilitation, highlighting music's profound impact on neural recovery. Mitchell's remarkable return to the stage, including performances at the Newport Folk Festival in 2022 and the Hollywood Bowl in 2024, showcases the potential of music therapy in recovery processes.
Integrating Music Psychotherapy into PD Care
Incorporating music psychotherapy into a comprehensive PD treatment plan involves collaboration among healthcare providers, patients, and trained music therapists. Personalized sessions can be designed to address specific challenges faced by individuals, ensuring that the therapeutic process aligns with their unique needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Music psychotherapy offers a holistic approach to managing Parkinson’s disease, addressing both the physical and emotional challenges posed by the condition. By tapping into the universal language of music, individuals with PD can experience improved motor function, enhanced communication, cognitive stimulation, and emotional relief. As research continues to unveil the profound connection between music and the brain, music therapy stands as a promising avenue for enriching the lives of those living with Parkinson’s disease.
References
Ashoori, A., Eagleman, D. M., & Jankovic, J. (2015). Effects of auditory rhythm and music on gait disturbances in Parkinson's disease. Frontiers in Neurology, 6, 234. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2015.00234
Buard, I., Dewispelaere, W. B., Dehail, P., & Nizard, J. (2024). Coupling neurologic music therapy with immersive virtual reality to improve executive functions in individuals with Parkinson's disease: A quasi-randomized clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 100, 123–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocn.2024.01.048
Bugos, J. A., & Kochar, B. (2017). A rationale for music training to enhance executive functions in Parkinson’s disease: An overview of the problem. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, 9, 256. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnagi.2017.00256
Dobkin, R. D., Mann, S. L., Gara, M. A., Interian, A., Rodriguez, K. M., & Menza, M. (2022). A systematic review of psychotherapy approaches for anxiety in Parkinson's disease. Clinical Gerontologist, 45(4), 1029–1042. https://doi.org/10.1080/07317115.2022.2074814
CBC Radio. (2020, May 1). Neuroscience reveals how rhythm helps us walk, talk — and even love. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/ideas/neuroscience-reveals-how-rhythm-helps-us-walk-talk-and-even-love-1.5550722
Dalla Bella, S., Benoit, C.-E., Farrugia, N., Schwartze, M., & Kotz, S. A. (2017). Rhythmic abilities and musical training in Parkinson’s disease: Do they help? NPJ Parkinson's Disease, 3, 8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41531-017-0007-8
Delval, A., Dujardin, K., Tard, C., Moreau, C., Devos, D., & Defebvre, L. (2018). Home-based training of rhythmic skills with a serious game in Parkinson's disease: Usability and acceptability. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 390, 91–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2018.05.015
Erkkilä, J., Punkanen, M., Fachner, J., Ala-Ruona, E., Pontio, I., Tervaniemi, M., ... & Gold, C. (2011). Individual music therapy for depression: Randomised controlled trial. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 199(2), 132–139.
Ghai, S., Ghai, I., Schmitz, G., & Effenberg, A. O. (2018). Effect of rhythmic auditory cueing on parkinsonian gait: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Scientific Reports, 8, Article 506. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-16232-5
Institute for Music and Neurologic Function. (n.d.). Our mission. https://www.imnf.org/imnf.org
Levitin, D. J. (2025). Music as medicine. In D. J. Levitin, Music as medicine: The science of how music shapes our health and wellbeing (pp. 45–67). Penguin Books.
Neurology Live. (2024). Exploring AI-powered music therapy as a solution to chronic pain management and the opioid crisis. https://www.neurologylive.com/view/exploring-ai-powered-music-therapy-solution-chronic-pain-management-opioid-crisis
Parkinson's News Today. (2018, January 5). Synchronizing finger taps to regular beats improves gait of Parkinson’s patients, study suggests. https://parkinsonsnewstoday.com/news/synchronizing-finger-taps-regular-beats-improve-gait-parkinsons-study/
Parkinson's UK. (n.d.). Singing and Parkinson’s. https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/your-magazine/spotlight/singing-and-parkinsons
Raglio, A., Oasi, O., Gianotti, M., Manzoni, V., Bolis, S., Ubezio, M. C., ... & Imbriani, M. (2015). Music therapy interventions in Parkinson’s disease: The state-of-the-art. Frontiers in Neurology, 6, 185. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2015.00185
Romero-Naranjo, F. J. (2022). Body percussion and urban rhythms as an interdisciplinary resource (BAPNE method). SHS Web of Conferences, 137, 01005. https://doi.org/10.1051/shsconf/202213701005
Romero-Naranjo, F. J. (2014). Therapeutic benefits of body percussion using the BAPNE method. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 152, 1230–1235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2014.09.361
Shanghai Municipal Government. (2024, November 29). Shanghai Conservatory of Music launches AI therapy lab. https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20241129/b0a6f9bf25274654936d1d57f2c18973.html
Stegemöller, E. L. (2014). Exploring a neuroplasticity model of music therapy. Journal of Music Therapy, 51(3), 211–227. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thu023
Tamir-Ostrover, H., Hassin-Baer, S., Fay-Karmon, T., & Friedman, J. (2024). Quantifying changes in dexterity as a result of piano training in people with Parkinson’s disease. Sensors, 24(11), 3318. https://doi.org/10.3390/s24113318MDPI
Tang, Y., & Liang, Z. (2020). Therapeutic benefits of music-based synchronous finger tapping in Parkinson’s disease: An fNIRS study protocol for randomized controlled trial. Trials, 21(1), 864. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-020-04770-9
Véron-Delor, L., Pinto, S., Eusebio, A., Velay, J.-L., & Danna, J. (2019). Musical sonification improves motor control in Parkinson's disease: A proof of concept with handwriting. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 62(3), 164–168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2018.09.
Wikipedia contributors. (2024, October 21). Joni Mitchell. Wikipedia, The Free
Encyclopedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joni_Mitchell
Yinger, O. S., & Lapointe, L. L. (2012). The effects of participation in a group music therapy voice protocol (G-MTVP) on the speech of individuals with Parkinson's disease. Music Therapy Perspectives, 30(1), 25–31. https://doi.org/10.1093/mtp/30.1.25
Yoon Irons, J., Williams, A., Holland, J., & Jones, J. (2024). An exploration of people living with Parkinson's experience of cardio-drumming: Parkinson's Beats: A qualitative phenomenological study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(4), 514. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040514
Zhang, L., Xu, X., Sun, M., & Wang, S. (2023). Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression in patients with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurological Sciences, 44(5), 1509–1518. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10072-023-06559-6
Zhou, Z., Zhou, R., Wei, W., Luan, R., & Li, K. (2021). Effects of music-based movement therapy on motor function, balance, gait, mental health, and quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 35(7), 937–951. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215521990526