Lose yourself: Harnessing music therapy to enhance neuroplasticity and motor learning in the rehabilitation of a young man with traumatic brain injury and significant physical injuries

Abstract

This case study explores how principles of motor learning and neuroplasticity – specifically the tenet of ‘use it and improve it’ – were enhanced through music therapy to support rehabilitation goals for an individual with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and diffuse physical injuries.

A combination of individual music therapy sessions and joint sessions with physiotherapists targeted mobility goals, including safe sit-to-stand transitions and improved walking. Patient-preferred music was used to boost motivation, alongside Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT™) techniques including Musical Attention Control Training (MACT), Musical Mnemonics Training (MMT), and Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS). These interventions aimed to enhance motor planning, coordination, and timing for smoother movement and gait.

Initially requiring substantial support, sessions focused on priming rhythmic synchrony to promote the patient’s movement in response to external auditory cues. As movement patterns became internalised – consistent with the Transformational Design Model (TDM™) – the music-informed behaviours transferred into daily functional activities with increased safety and fluidity. The patient showed marked improvement in attention, awareness, sequencing, standing, and walking.

This case highlights the synergistic potential of combining music therapy with physiotherapy to increase participation in repetitive motor learning tasks, thereby optimising functional neuroplasticity and supporting recovery in TBI rehabilitation.