Singing Improves Poststroke Patients' Language Networks

Based on research at the University of Helsinki, singing can improve language networks in post-stroke patients.

KOMPAS/SUCIPTO

Rubianti (59) stood holding the wheelchair of her husband, Pardi Subono (60), who was sitting due to a stroke condition at Klandasan Market in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Tuesday (25/10/2022).

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — Stroke is the most common cause of aphasia, a speech disorder that originates in the brain. People with aphasia experience a decreased ability to understand or produce speech. Recent research at the University of Helsinki, Finland, revealed that singing can improve the structure of language networks in poststroke patients.

The report on the research findings has been published in the eNeuro Journal in May 2024. The positive effects of singing on the recovery of post-stroke aphasia patients are supported by structural reorganization of grey matter (GM) and white matter (WM) related to sensory perception and communication networks in the brain.

"This evidence demonstrates that singing is a valuable tool for promoting the reorganization and restoration of language networks in post-stroke patients," quoted from the research published in the eNeuro Journal on Sunday (May 26, 2024).

KOMPAS/WAWAN H PRABOWO

Residents took part in the Health Discussion Forum with the theme "Dangers of Stroke: Prevention and Recovery"; which was held in collaboration with Kompas daily and Siloam Hospital at Tanamera Cuisine, Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta.

The language network processes language and speech in the brain. In people with aphasia, this tissue has been damaged, reducing the ability to speak.

Also read: Sleep Problems Increase Stroke Risk

A total of 54 aphasia patients participated in this study. Researchers investigated the effects of singing rehabilitation with the assistance of a choir, music therapy, and singing exercises at home.

The lead author of the study, Aleksi Sihvonen, stated that the research showed that rehabilitating aphasia patients through singing is based on changes in neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to change. The language network includes the cortical areas of the brain that are involved in language processing and speech.

The language network processes language and speech in the brain. In people with aphasia, this tissue has been damaged, reducing the ability to speak.

Singing increases the volume of grey matter in the left frontal lobe area that processes language and enhances connectivity of information channels. "This positive change is related to an improvement in patients' speech production," said Sihvonen.

Aphasia has a broad impact on the functional capacity and quality of life of an individual. It can also cause social isolation due to decreased interaction resulting from limited speech ability.

According to Sihvonen, singing can be seen as an effective rehabilitation for post-stroke patients with limited access to rehabilitation services. This method is relatively more cost-effective and can be done anywhere.

"The patients can also sing along with their family members and sing in healthcare units as cost-effective group rehabilitation," he said.

Also read: Stroke Recovery is Worse in Poor Residential Environments

FAKHRI FADLURROHMAN

Music therapy at the Sayap Ibu Foundation, Pondok Aren, South Tangerang, Tuesday (1/11/2022).

However, this research has several limitations. The sample in the study is relatively small so it cannot conclude all findings. Therefore, further research is needed with a larger sample size that analyzes the entire brain region.

In another study published in the Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Journal, researchers from the University of British Columbia, Canada, noted that virtual rehabilitation could be utilized for stroke recovery. The rehabilitation is carried out through video conferencing involving physical therapy experts.

The author of the research report, Ada Tang, stated that after undergoing virtual rehabilitation, the physical condition of stroke patients improved. Virtual rehabilitation has become one of the solutions to address the challenges of stroke rehabilitation, especially for patients who live in rural or remote areas.