Fifteen studies (n=approximately 368) were included in the review.
Seven case series or reports evaluated music therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and reported: improvements for emotional expression and stabilisation of mood (n=1); heightened sense of ability, feelings of success and achievement, and meeting emotional needs relating to changes brought about by multiple sclerosis (n=1); help in reconstructing identity, decision making and social interaction reported enhancement of autonomous activity and direct emotional expression (n=10); improved enhancement of autonomous activity and direct emotional expression (n=2); improvement of interaction and social support and a reduction of anxiety (n=1); strengthen feelings of group cohesiveness (n=5); changes in sense of self control and coping style (n=3).
Four observational studies evaluated music therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and reported: improvement and encouragement in communications skills and socialisation (n=39); psychological support and improvement in individual coping strategies (n=225); significant improvements in mood subscales (n=5); no results (n=approximately 8).
Two qualitative studies evaluated music therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and reported: individual and group music therapy met participants physical, psycho-social and spiritual needs(n=22); a dynamic sense of interaction and physical involvement (n=6) .
One pilot study with control group evaluated music therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and found improvements in relaxation and diaphragmatic breathing and also found group music therapy group improved expiratory muscle strength (n=20).
One matched pairs controlled pilot study evaluated music therapy in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and found improvements in self acceptance, depression and anxiety (n=20) .