Browsing by Subject "developmental learning disorders"

Objectives. The purpose of this Bachelor’s thesis was to evaluate the efficacy of music-based interventions in the treatment of dyslexia. Additionally, the processes through which engaging in musical activities affects reading ability were explored. Literacy is essential to independence and agency, and deficits in reading ability can have long-term impacts not only on learning ability and academic and career-related prospects, but also on holistic wellbeing. Consequently, the early detection and efficient treatment of dyslexia are important. According to prior research, music training positively affects reading ability and auditive processing abilities linked to dyslexia. The aim of this literary review was to determine whether music-based interventions could be implemented in dyslexia treatment. Methods. A literary search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar databases and keywords linked to dyslexia and music-based interventions. The inclusion criteria for experimental studies were that the participants were found to have dyslexia and that the intervention entailed some form of music training. Some of the literary sources were found through the references of studies included. In addition, sources concerning the etiology and symptoms of dyslexia as well as the cognitive and neural outcomes of music training were included. Results and conclusions. The literary search showed that experimental studies on music-based interventions are scarce. Furthermore, the studies included in this review differed from each other for example in terms of study design and the characteristics of the interventions, and therefore the efficacy of music-based interventions cannot be determined reliably. However, research points to music-based interventions having a positive effect on both auditive processing abilities and skills that support and constitute reading ability. Additionally, music-based interventions can improve working memory and academic performance, and thus alleviate the negative effects of dyslexia. In conclusion, although music training appears to be a promising and versatile intervention method in dyslexia treatment, further research is needed to determine its efficacy and possibilities of its implementation.