Publication
The Role of Technology in Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Co-Treatment of an Injured United States Service Member
View Abstract
Abstract
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) have negative consequences on the health, rehabilitation, and quality of life for many United States (U.S.) military personnel. Digital technologies offer opportunities for the co-treatment of music therapy and occupational therapy to enhance the rehabilitation of injured service members.
Objective: Case study to describe an interdisciplinary approach for comorbid symptoms of TBI and traumatic stress in an active duty service member. Both music therapy and occupational therapy approaches are highlighted.
Methods: Case description
Results: This intervention supported emotional state shifting from stress/anxiety to calm/regulated to stabilize their respiratory functioning and stress symptoms. Relaxation was further measured using heart rate variability (HRV) via biofeedback.
Conclusions: Music technology played an essential role in the co-treatment space. Active
music-making through traditional instrumentation and music listening to unaltered recorded songs did not comprehensively address the patient’s treatment goals. Combining a customized music listening tool, relaxation exercises, and HRV biofeedback demonstrated improvement in the service member’s physiological and psychological symptoms. Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of integrating digital music, health technologies, and a supportive co-treatment environment on rehabilitation success.
Abstract
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) have negative consequences on the health, rehabilitation, and quality of life for many United States (U.S.) military personnel. Digital technologies offer opportunities for the co-treatment of music therapy and occupational therapy to enhance the rehabilitation of injured service members.
Objective: Case study to describe an interdisciplinary approach for comorbid symptoms of TBI and traumatic stress in an active duty service member. Both music therapy and occupational therapy approaches are highlighted.
Methods: Case description
Results: This intervention supported emotional state shifting from stress/anxiety to calm/regulated to stabilize their respiratory functioning and stress symptoms. Relaxation was further measured using heart rate variability (HRV) via biofeedback.
Conclusions: Music technology played an essential role in the co-treatment space. Active
music-making through traditional instrumentation and music listening to unaltered recorded songs did not comprehensively address the patient’s treatment goals. Combining a customized music listening tool, relaxation exercises, and HRV biofeedback demonstrated improvement in the service member’s physiological and psychological symptoms. Further investigation is needed to understand the impact of integrating digital music, health technologies, and a supportive co-treatment environment on rehabilitation success.
Authors:
Vaudreuil, R., Nordstrom, M., DeGraba, T., & Pasquina, P.
Publication Date:
2024
Publisher:
Nordic Journal of Music Therapy (Impact Factor = 1.6)
Volume/Issue/Pages:
2024, 1-18 (Open Access)
Population Studied:
Active-duty U.S. service member.
Treatment:
Music therapy and occupational therapy
Study Design:
Case Study
Measures:
Ratings of a list of emotion (event-driven) and feeling (learned behaviors) pairs extracted from a study that explored emotional responses to music.