Learning to Play Music May Improve Parkinson Disease Symptoms

Results of a study published in Parkinson’s Disease showed that individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) achieved improved overall quality of life, and, for some, enhanced posture and gait after receiving regular lessons on how to play basic notes, chords, and simple pieces of music on the guitar. Analysis of results postintervention revealed that depression scores improved by more than 3 points on the Beck Depression Inventory (95% CI [−5.2, −0.9], P=.04) and quality of life scores as measured on the Parkinson’s Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) improved by more than 5 points (95% CI [−9.4, −1.0], P=.07).

This closed cohort stepped wedge study enlisted 24 adults with PD—most in their late 50s and early 60s—who took hour-long guitar lessons twice a week for 12 weeks to determine whether such lessons resulted in changes in motor symptoms and emotional well-bring. Half of the participants were randomly assigned to a guitar class, while the other half followed their usual medical care. After 6 weeks, participants switched places. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and then at 6, 12, and 18 weeks. 

The improvements on most measures were clinically significant. Although there is mounting evidence that music and rhythm-based interventions may bring improvements in symptomology across multiple disorders, the study shows that even small amounts of musical activity can have benefits. 

According to Alexander Pantelyat, MD, director, Johns Hopkins Center for Music and Medicine, perhaps most promising was the impact on quality of life. “We know that music activates multiple networks in the brain,” said Pantelyat. “It would make sense that you can have multidimensional improvements by participating in music making.”

The study suggests that the clinical use of guitar playing could be an adjunct nonpharmacological therapeutic intervention in patients with PD, although there were limitations to the study, including the small sample size.