Research

Our research projects are focused on building knowledge in the following areas.

  • Dementia

    Our research in dementia aims to gain insights into the use of music to support mood, quality of life, behavioural and psychological symptoms, and social connection for people living with dementia and caregivers.

    Current research projects

    • Remini-Sing – Therapeutic group singing for people with dementia and their family caregivers
    • MIDDEL – Music interventions for dementia and depression
    • HOMESIDE – Home-based music for people with dementia and their family caregivers
    • MATCH – Music Attuned Technology – Care via eHealthM
    • MATCH-HCare-staff delivered music intervention within a Specialist Advanced Dementia Unit

    Previous research projects

    Songwriting for Dementia:

    Publications

    View all our dementia research publications here.

  • Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury

    Our research in Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury rehabilitation aims to gain insights into the use of music therapy interventions to support speech, movement, mood, quality of life, and social connection for people living with Acquired Brain Injury

    Current research projects

    Previous research projects

    Publications

    View all our stroke and traumatic brain injury publications here.

  • Parkinson's Disease

    Our research into Parkinson's disease aims to gain insights into the use of music to support speech, movement, mood, quality of life, and social connection for people living with Parkinson's disease

    Current research projects

    • ParkinSong – Therapeutic group singing for people with Parkinson's disease

    Publications

    View all our Parkinson's disease research publications here.

  • Spinal Cord Injury

    Our research in spinal cord injury has explored the effects of therapeutic group singing programs on voice and respiratory function for people with quadriplegia. We have also been exploring accessible online telehealth options for delivering therapy, including development of customised virtual reality platforms.

    We have examined the effect of a therapeutic songwriting protocol on self-concept and wellbeing for people adjusting to a spinal cord injury in our ARC-funded songwriting research – Songwriting for Self-Concept.

    Current Research Projects

    Previous Research Projects

    Publications

    View all our spinal cord injury research publications here.

  • Physical Rehabilitation in Older Adults

    This research examined the role of music in supporting physical activity by older adults with health conditions. Results demonstrated that listening to music improved exercise endurance and intensity, leading to lowered waist circumference and blood pressure. Participants described how music listening supported them to overcome barriers to exercise and enhanced their mood. The research indicated that music is an accessible resource that can be combined with behaviour change strategies to increase adherence to physical activity recommendations.

    Publications

    View all our Physical Rehabilitation in Older Adults research publications here.

  • Motor Neuron Disease

    The process of transitioning to non-invasive ventilation can be anxiety-provoking in people with Motor Neuron Disease, which may reduce adherence rates. This feasibility study examined the effects of music-assisted relaxation on NIV adherence, anxiety, and quality of life for people with MND. Data were collected at baseline, 7-days post, and 3-months post NIV implementation.

    Publications

    View all our Motor Neuron Disease research publications here.