Standardized music therapy with and without acclimatization, to improve EEG data acquisition in young children with and without disability.

INTRODUCTION: In young children, EEG data acquisition during stimulation tasks is difficult due to anxiety, movement and behaviorally-related interruptions, especially in those with disabilities.

NEW METHOD: We used standardized music therapy (MT) protocols with and without acclimatization, during and prior to time-locked EEG with a published tactile testing protocol. Our prospective study leveraged a larger trial in children with/without cerebral palsy aged 7-27 months. Group1 received no preparation, Group2 received 15-minute MT prior to the EEG session, Group3 received the same as Group2 plus a rubber cap for home practice. All groups received MT procedural support during the EEG session. Sessions were stopped/started to acquire a full dataset. Trials were reviewed using a two-step artifact detection strategy by specialists masked to group allocation.

RESULTS: 64 patients were included, 20 each in Groups 2 and 3, and 24 in Group1. Average age was 16.08 ± 6.33 months. All (100%) of children had data of sufficient quality and quantity for outcomes measurement without a second testing visit. There were no differences in useable trials by procedural group, disability status, age or stimulus condition. EEG recording time was shorter in Group3 vs. 1 (p = 0.02) and more patients in Group1 required repeat trials compared to Groups2 and 3 (p = 0.04 for both).

COMPARISON WITH OLD METHOD: Our new methods resulted in no attrition from data loss, an improvement compared to published similar studies with data loss 30-55%. Acclimatization had minimal effects.

CONCLUSION: In children under 3, MT protocols result in high rates of EEG data acquisition, decrease behaviorally-related interruptions and session acquisition time. This method is successful for typically developing children and those with cerebral palsy.