Background
Music listening positively impacts the cognition and mood of individuals following stroke. Research indicates potential language recovery benefits of music listening specifically for people with post-stroke aphasia. Aphasia is a complex language and communication disorder that effects up to one third of people following stroke. Care for this population within multi-disciplinary teams is limited by available clinical resources that promote language recovery. Music listening and specialised music listening technology provide an opportunity to care for people with post-stroke aphasia and promote language recovery.
Aims
We examined the effect of design and implementation of a mobile music listening application with individuals with post-stroke aphasia.
Methods
Participants with chronic post-stroke aphasia used a purpose-built mobile music listening application for two weeks. Prior to use, technology confidence and use, aphasia severity, self-efficacy and music engagement rating scales and questionnaires were completed. Following use, the system usability scale as well as semi-structured interviews were completed. Semi-structured interviews were based on the Technology Acceptance Model with all interviews transcribed and analysed using content analysis.
Results
The usability and acceptance of the specialised mobile music listening application was measured across 19 participants with chronic aphasia. Confidence in the technology was a key emotional and psychological determinant of outcomes in using the application.
Conclusion
The acceptance of engaging in music listening post-stroke facilitated language recovery by a purpose-built mobile music listening application. Such technology provides a critical clinically relevant approach to aphasia recovery post-stroke.