Application of music therapy in the respiratory training of patients with spinal cord injury:a scoping review

WANG Lei; JIANG Xiaoli; ZOU Yashi; LI Jinyi; LUO Chunmei

doi:10.12102/j.issn.1009-6493.2026.07.019

Abstract：Objective:To conduct a scope review of the research on the application of music therapy in respiratory training of spinal cord injury,in order to analyze the screening of intervention subjects in the application of music therapy in respiratory training for spinal cord injury,identify the form and specific content,evaluation indicators and application effects of music therapy in respiratory training for spinal cord injury,so as to provide reference for medical staff to carry out relevant interventions and research.Methods:Based on the Joanna Briggs Institute(JBI)scope review guide as the methodological framework,relevant studies in CNKI,WanFang database,VIP database,Chinese Biomedical Literature database,PubMed,Web of Science,EMbase,CINAHL were searched.The search was conducted by combining subject words,free words and Boolean logical conjunctive words.The retrieval period spanned from the establishment of the database to March 30,2025.The included literature was summarized and analyzed.Results:A total of 6 papers were included,including 5 randomized controlled trials and 1 quasi-experimental study.The inclusion criteria for patients with spinal cord injury before music therapy were formulated from five aspects:age,injury level,injury degree,activity ability and disease duration,and the exclusion criteria were formulated from three aspects:cognitive level,music learning situation and disease history.The elements of music therapy include oral motor respiratory exercise(OMREX),therapeutic singing(TS),vocal intonation therapy(VIT),and vocal respiratory training(VRT).The intervention frequency was at least 3-5 times per week,the intervention intensity was 30-60 minutes per time,and the intervention duration was mostly 12 weeks.The application of music therapy in respiratory training for spinal cord injury has shown good effects,which can improve the respiratory function,respiratory neural plasticity,auxiliary respiratory muscle activity,sound quality,and health-related quality of life and psychological state of patients.Conclusions:Music therapy has a positive effect on the rehabilitation of respiratory function in patients with spinal cord injury.Future research should enhance interdisciplinary collaboration,integrate artificial intelligence and virtual simulation technologies,and explore personalized music therapy strategies under the background of"Internet+nursing services",providing a more comprehensive solution for the overall rehabilitation of patients with spinal cord injuries.