Author(s)

Meiyi Wei

Corresponding Author

Meiyi Wei

ABSTRACT

Hypertonia is defined as the abnormal increase in muscle tone as a result of neurological disorders. People with hypertonia may have abnormal movement patterns, muscle contracture. Their activities of daily life, quality of life will be affected seriously. Although pharmaceutical treatment and rehabilitation therapy are the main intervention of hypertonia, pharmaceutical treatment has numerous side effects and rehabilitation therapy are lack of powerful evidence to prove the treatment outcome. Music engaged in a wide spectrum of brain areas and has effects on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) due to the music-neuro entrainment process, it could be a pleasant and convenient intervention for people with hypertonia. Previous studies about music intervention for hypertonia are scarce. In this article, we stated the potential neuro mechanism induced by music and summarized different techniques of music-induced muscle relaxation including music listening intervention (MLI), music assisted relaxation, and vibroacoustic therapy. We also summed up some important considerations in the music intervention process such as music selection, the form of music intervention, and individual differences in response to music. Future research will be needed to dig into the music-induced muscle relaxation field and integrate the standard and unified protocol in clinical practice.

KEYWORDS

Muscle tone, music-based intervention, hypertonia, music relaxation