• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-16
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• 2011

This study was to investigate the influence of using Therapeutic Instrumental Music Performance (TIMP) in uninvolved hand function for children with spastic cerebral palsy. Participants were recruited from a welfare center for people with cerebral palsy(CP). Ages ranged from 11 to 12, and a total of 15 TIMP sessions were provided for 3 weeks. Hand function tests were used including Jebsen Hand Function Test for hand function, Box and Block Test for dexterity of uninvolved hand, and MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) evaluation for velocity of fingers. The TIMP program consisted of hand percussion playing and keyboard playing with changes of timbre and tempo. While the scores of Jebsen test and Box and Block test were improved for all participants, outcomes of MIDI analysis showed differences among participants. Overall, hand function improvements were observed after the completion of using the TIMP program, and the results implies that the TIMP program can be applied in upper extremity rehabilitation for children with CP.

• Journal of Music and Human Behavior
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.81-103
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• 2022

The effects of therapeutic instrumental music performance (TIMP) using a ukulele were examined in adults with central nervous system damage and impaired hand functions. The participants were three adults with neurological damage who participated in 30-min sessions twice a week over 6 weeks. Changes in hand function was measured by the Box and Block Test (BBT), the 9-Hole Peg Test (9-HPT), and the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). Following the intervention, all three participants showed increases in the BBT and 9-HPT scores, indicating positive changes in fine motor coordination and dexterity. In terms of the JTHFT, all three participants showed increases in the "writing" and "card flipping" subtask scores, indicating that the intervention was effective in improving more coordinated finger movements. All participants reported the satisfaction with the intervention. They also pointed out that they were motivated to play the ukulele and that following the intervention used their affected hand more frequently in daily activities. These findings suggest that TIMP with a ukulele for patients with central nervous system damage can have positive effects on their functional hand movements and motivate these patients to practice their rehabilitation exercises.