Arts in Medicine: Music and Movement Therapy for Cerebral Palsy Kids

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: The Confluence Between Arts and Medical Science — Music and movement therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Mohamed Ghouse Nasuruddin


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: The Confluence Between Arts and Medical Science — Music and movement therapy for children with Cerebral Palsy

Year: 2010

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

The arts, particularly music and movement, are often seen merely as sources of entertainment, with their therapeutic potential frequently overlooked. Historically, traditional societies utilized artistic practices in healing ceremonies, linking ailments to spiritual imbalances. In modern contexts, such as in Malaysia, practices like “Main Puteri” and “Main Bageh” continue to leverage art as a form of therapy. This study investigates the therapeutic effects of gamelan music in enhancing the gross motor functions of children with cerebral palsy (CP) as part of a pilot project organized by Ms. Maria Soccoro and researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia.

Therapeutic Effects of Gamelan Music

The pilot study engaged children with varying severities of CP through gamelan music therapy to improve their gross motor skills. Participating children underwent assessments to select suitable subjects, with a total of nine patients selected based on their motor abilities and cognitive levels. Therapy sessions, conducted twice weekly, involved playing gamelan instruments, which required only basic striking skills. This non-invasive approach incorporated both musical and movement activities designed to promote trust, confidence, and physical improvement. Notable outcomes included enhancements in posture, attention span, concentration, and overall gross motor function, leading to increased self-confidence and improved quality of life for the participants.

Conclusion

The study concluded that music and movement therapy, specifically through gamelan, can effectively aid children with cerebral palsy in various aspects of their physical and cognitive functioning. While not a replacement for standard medical treatment, this therapeutic method activates the body’s innate healing energies and contributes to a holistic enhancement of the children's lives. This promising approach highlights the importance of integrating artistic involvement in therapeutic practices and underscores the broader applicability of arts in fostering well-being among children with special needs.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

How have the arts been used in traditional healing practices?

Traditional societies used the arts in healing ceremonies to address psychosomatic ailments, believing that spiritual misalignment caused these issues. Music and movement were used to placate spirits and restore physical and mental well-being.

What was the focus of the pilot study on children with CP?

The pilot study aimed to assess the effectiveness of gamelan music therapy in improving gross motor functions in children with cerebral palsy, conducted by Ms. Maria Soccoro and her colleagues.

What improvements were observed in children after the therapy sessions?

Post-therapy observations revealed improvements in posture, attention span, concentration, gross motor function, and overall confidence among participating children, evidenced by their increased ability to sit upright and engage in activities.

Does music therapy replace medical treatments for children with disabilities?

No, music therapy is a complementary approach. It does not replace medical treatments but enhances the quality of life by activating the self-healing capabilities of children with disabilities through music and movement.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Arts in Medicine: Music and Movement Therapy for Cerebral Palsy Kids”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Music:
Music is a fundamental aspect of the therapy discussed, specifically traditional gamelan music, used to engage children with cerebral palsy. It serves not only as an aesthetic experience but also as a therapeutic tool that facilitates physical movement, emotional expression, and social interaction, promoting overall well-being and healing.

2) Attending:
Attending refers to the children’s enthusiastic participation in the therapy sessions. Their willingness to attend demonstrates the effectiveness of the program in generating interest and engagement, leading to positive outcomes in physical and social skills. This aspect highlights the importance of motivation in therapeutic interventions.

3) Quality:
Quality refers to the enhancement of children’s lives through therapy. Improvements in motor function, posture, concentration, and social skills ultimately contribute to their overall quality of life. The therapy's goal is to enable children with disabilities to achieve a better functional and emotional state through arts involvement.

4) Table:
In this context, the table presents quantitative data, summarizing the attention span and concentration levels of children before and after therapy. This statistical representation is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of the music and movement interventions, providing clear evidence of improvements in their cognitive functions.

5) Animal:
Animal movements were incorporated into the therapy sessions as part of the engagement strategy. This approach not only adds an element of fun but also encourages physical movement and imitation, which are important for improving motor skills in children with cerebral palsy, fostering creativity and imagination.

6) Study (Studying):
The study represents a structured investigation into the effects of arts-based therapy on children with cerebral palsy. It aims to scientifically assess the therapeutic benefits of gamelan music and movement, providing empirical data that supports the integration of arts and sciences in rehabilitation practices.

7) Hand:
Hand movements are fundamental to the therapy, focusing on improving fine motor skills and coordination in children. The ability to strike the gamelan instruments actively engages the hand, fostering strength, dexterity, and confidence, which are vital for their daily activities and independence.

8) Post:
Post refers to the outcomes measured after therapy sessions, particularly improvements in motor functions, posture, and cognitive skills. This emphasizes the significance of evaluating changes resulting from interventions, allowing for a better understanding of therapeutic effectiveness and potential areas for further development.

9) Science (Scientific):
Science, in this context, pertains to the systematic study of the therapeutic effects of music and movement on children with disabilities. It encompasses the methodologies employed, the assessments conducted, and the scientific principles that guide the assessment of the intervention's efficacy.

10) Samtosha (Saṃtoṣa, Santoṣā, Santoṣa, Santosha, Santosh, Santosa):
Mr. Santosh, the therapist at The Spastic Centre, plays a vital role in delivering the therapy sessions. His experiences and testimonials reflect the practical application of the therapeutic techniques, providing insight into the dynamics of implementing music and movement therapy for children with cerebral palsy.

11) Life:
Life refers to the holistic improvement of the children's daily experiences through therapy. Enhancements in motor skills, social interaction, self-confidence, and emotional well-being contribute to a better quality of life, allowing children with disabilities to engage more fully in their environments and communities.

12) Ter:
Short for therapy, 'ther' underscores the focus on the therapeutic aspects of arts in rehabilitation. It highlights the specific interventions designed to invoke therapeutic responses, emphasizing the active role of music and movement in supporting healing and personal development in children with cerebral palsy.

13) Performance:
Performance relates to the observed abilities of children to execute tasks during therapy sessions, indicating their progress and engagement. It assesses the gains made in movements and actions, illustrating the practical outcomes of the therapeutic approach and encouraging ongoing participation in such activities.

14) Cleansing:
Cleansing signifies the emotional and physical release that therapeutic arts provide. The involvement in music and movement allows children to express themselves and alleviate pent-up tension, contributing to overall mental health and wellness, reinforcing the concept of the arts as a means of holistic healing.

15) Painting:
Painting, while not explicitly mentioned in the therapy, symbolizes the broader artistic engagement that complements therapeutic processes. Art can enrich the emotional expression and creativity of children, paralleling the therapeutic effects of music and movement, making it an important element in holistic therapies.

16) Language:
Language encompasses the communication skills that can be enhanced through interactive sessions with music and drama. The therapy aids in developing receptive language skills, thereby facilitating better understanding and instruction comprehension among children with cognitive challenges, integral to their overall social development.

17) Pustaka:
Pustaka is mentioned in the context of traditional music literature. The use of traditional arts, like gamelan, is part of the cultural heritage being applied therapeutically. This connection emphasizes the significance of cultural context in therapy, ensuring that interventions are culturally relevant and resonant with the participants.

18) Raising:
Raising embodies the physical movements focused on during therapy, particularly hand and leg motions. These exercises are designed not just to enhance motor skills but also to promote confidence and independence, encouraging children to lift themselves physically and emotionally in their rehabilitation journey.

19) Medium:
Medium refers to the method employed for therapy, which, in this study, is music and movement. It signifies the channel through which therapeutic effects are achieved, illustrating how arts serve as an effective means of engaging children in a playful yet purposeful manner.

20) Malin (Mālin):
Dr. Malin is referenced as an important contributor to the project, highlighting the collaborative effort involved in the research. His role underscores the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in developing effective therapeutic interventions, bridging the gap between arts and sciences in healing practices.

21) Dance:
Dance, similar to movement, plays a crucial role in physical rehabilitation and emotional expression. As part of the therapy, dance activities encourage coordination and bodily awareness among children, aiding in gross motor skills development and providing them a joyful way to express themselves.

22) Drama:
Drama, as part of the therapy approach, enhances the social aspects of interaction through role-play and storytelling. It fosters creativity and communication skills, providing children with opportunities to engage in imaginative scenarios that improve their confidence and social abilities in a supportive environment.

23) Fear:
Fear relates to the emotional barriers children may face when engaging in movement or social activities. The therapy aims to reduce this fear by creating a safe and supportive atmosphere, encouraging children to overcome anxieties related to their disabilities and participate more actively in group activities.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Arts in Medicine: Music and Movement Therapy for Cerebral Palsy Kids’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Musical instrument, Therapeutic effect, Internal energy, Cognitive function, Modern society, Preliminary assessment, Sense of well-being, Quality of life, Music therapy, Self-healing, Traditional societies, Pilot study, Muscle Strength, Therapeutic intervention, Cerebral palsy, Therapy sessions, Intervention group, Gross motor functions, Motor function, Range of Motion, Therapeutic tool, Psychosomatic condition, Psychosomatic maladies, Attention span, Clinical finding, Confidence level, Non-invasive therapy, Study subject, Pilot project.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Primordial energy, Trust and confidence, Physical disabilities.

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