MELBOURNE, 19 May 2025: A simple nursery rhyme can elicit brain responses that other stimuli cannot in children with severe brain injuries, a new study led by the University of Melbourne has found. The research provides hope for families and clinicians seeking non-invasive ways to reach children in states of reduced consciousness.
Recently published in The Nordic Journal of Music Therapy, the study found that a familiar song (“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star”) triggered more behavioural and neurological responses than speech or white noise in a child with a severe brain injury.
An international team of researchers, led by Dr Janeen Bower from the University of Melbourne Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, together with colleagues from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) and
Temple University (Philadelphia), focused on a primary school aged child with a serious brain injury. “Our findings suggest that familiar songs may provide a unique pathway to consciousness in children with severe brain injuries. This could revolutionise how we approach early rehabilitation in paediatric cases of disorders of consciousness,” said Professor Cathy Catroppa, a leading expert in childhood traumatic brain
injury and Senior Principal Research Fellow in the Brain and Mind Group at MCRI.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) data showed unique brain activity in the left frontal region during the song, not present with other stimuli. The child displayed more eye movements, leg movements, and changes in facial expression during the song condition.
The study suggests that music therapy could play a crucial role in early rehabilitation for children with brain injuries, potentially speeding recovery.
Dr Janeen Bower, 2024 Postdoctoral Fellow at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music highlighted that this research is not just about waking up the brain; it’s about reconnecting a child with their world and their family.
“As researchers and clinicians, we often focus on the data, but this study shows a child responding to a song her parents probably sang to her countless times. This reminds us that behind every data point is a human story. We hope this research leads to better outcomes for families,” Dr Bower said.
This robust cross-disciplinary research collaboration builds on other studies and clinical guidelines that similarly indicate that music therapy intervention helps cognitive rehabilitation after traumatic brain injury.
It opens doors for further studies and new treatment protocols, underscoring the need for more investment in music therapy programs and further research focused on children.
The study publication comes as the National Disability Insurance Agency considers the findings of the recent Independent Review of NDIS Funded Music and Art Supports, which is likely to impact the extent of music therapy funding provided through the NDIS.
-This report is based on media release by the University of Melbourne.
