Shake it off and collaborate: the integration of music therapy and speech pathology in melodic intonation therapy.

Abstract

Background: Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) has been identified,in extant literature, as a prominent rehabilitation intervention forpatients with aphasia and acquired apraxia of speech (AOS) postAcquired Brain Injury. Despite the literature demonstrating thepositive effect of MIT on aphasia and acquired AOS, evidence forthe utility of MIT being co-facilitated by a Registered MusicTherapist (RMT) and Speech Pathologist (SP) remains low. This study focuses on patient (“Taylor”) who presented with severe expressive aphasia and acquired AOS overlay post left basal ganglia haemorrhage. To address her poor engagement in SP intervention,and considering her passion for music and improved motivationassociated with same, MIT co-facilitated by RMT and SP was selected. Her goals: 1. To improve expressive output in a supportive, and creativeenvironment, 2. To improve engagement in therapy. Aim: Demonstrate how integrating Music Therapy (MT) with Speech Pathology can accelerate speech recovery and improve the quality of life (QOL) for patients with aphasia and acquired AOS. Method: The RMT and SP worked collaboratively to implement MIT intervention. The SP formulated individualised, functionalsentences with Taylor, whilst the RMT focused on facilitating themusical elements. Results: Taylor participated enthusiastically in 7 joint MT/Speech Pathology sessions. During the facilitation of MIT, she displayed animprovement in accuracy and fluency of 17 targeted, individualised 3-8 syllable phrases. Taylor generalised selected targeted phrases into Level 3 of MIT “response to a question” and in conversation with various MDT members. Taylor demonstrated increased engagement in joint sessions which contributed to positivepatient-centred therapy outcomes. Conclusion: The findings suggest that integrating MT with Speech Pathology can offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to rehabilitation, accelerating speech recovery and improving QoL for patients with aphasia and acquired AOS. This warrants further research and clinical application of such collaborative interventions.