Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of music therapy combined with routine medication and rehabilitation training on motor function of hand of patients with brain injury. Methods 30 brain injury patients with hemiplegia were divided into sound group (n=15) and no-sound group (n=15). Besides routine medication and rehabilitation training, two groups received instrument training, one for open music and the other for closed music, 30 minutes a day for 4 weeks. They were evaluated with Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF) and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and after training to assess hand function and activities of daily living (ADL) respectively. Results The scores of STEF and MBI improved in both groups after training (P<0.01). The score of STEF was better in the sound group than in the no-sound group (P<0.01) while the score of MBI showed no difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The items as taking metal pieces, taking small balls, and taking small metal rod improved most in the sound group while the items as taking small cubic, taking small metal rod, and taking artificial leather improved most in the no-sound group. The items as dressing oneself, cleaning after defecating and urinating,and making up improved most in the two groups. Conclusion Music therapy combined with routine medication and rehabilitation training can facilitate to improve fine movement function of hand of hemiplegic patients, such as movement speed, precision.

Key words: brain injury, music therapy, hand function