Integrative Review of Music and Music Therapy Interventions on Functional Outcomes in Children with Acquired Brain Injury

Acquired brain injury (ABI) can result in a multitude of impairments to physical, cognitive, communicative, psychological, and psychosocial functioning. Music interventions are emerging as a valuable form of intervention in the rehabilitation of children with ABI, stimulating brain functions involved in movement, cognition, speech, emotions, and sensory perceptions. To date, the literature detailing the impact of music and music therapy interventions on functional outcomes in children with ABI has not been reviewed systematically. To address this, Whittemore and Knafl’s five-stage integrative review framework was employed, which includes (a) problem identification, (b) literature search, (c) data evaluation, (d) data analysis and synthesis, and (e) presentation of the findings. A total of 388 articles were retrieved, and 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Analysis and synthesis resulted in 3 overarching themes: outcomes of using music therapy in pediatric ABI, music therapy as a motivator in pediatric ABI rehabilitation, and collaboration. The review highlights the pivotal role of music as a motivational catalyst that promotes adherence to rehabilitative intervention. Nevertheless, it underscores a significant gap in empirical research within the field, emphasizing the necessity for larger, more rigorous studies.