Review of music therapy for motor, speech, and cognitive impairments in stroke, Parkinson's, and cerebral palsy

This review systematically examines the advances, mechanisms, and clinical applications of music therapy in neurorehabilitation. The article first delineates the conceptual origins of music therapy and the developmental trajectory of neurologic music therapy, introducing the major technical classifications including receptive methods, active methods, improvisational approaches, and vibroacoustic music therapy. The core section elaborates on the multidimensional mechanisms underlying music therapy in neurorehabilitation, encompassing neuroanatomical networks, neurotrans Melodic Intonation Therapy and endocrine systems, neuroplasticity, and psychobehavioral dimensions, elucidating the functional recovery pathways through auditory-motor integration, neural network reorganization, and neuroplasticity enhancement. Regarding clinical applications, the article comprehensively discusses the specific implementations and evidence-based efficacy of music therapy in the rehabilitation of stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy, including improvements in motor, speech, and cognitive impairments. Finally, the article summarizes current challenges and outlines future directions, aiming to provide theoretical foundations and practical references for the standardized and precision application of music therapy in neurorehabilitation.