title: Experiences of participation in rhythm and movement therapy after stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to investigate how persons with stroke experience participation in rhythm and music therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  To gain knowledge of the qualitatively different ways persons with stroke experience participation in Ronnie Gardiner Rhythm and Music (RGRM) therapy, a phenomenographic approach was chosen. Interviews with 17 persons with stroke were done. Selection criteria were set to capture the variations in how the phenomenon appeared to the informants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two qualitatively different ways of experiencing the RGRM therapy were identified: (A) challenge leading to connection with the body and (B) being able. A feeling of being connected to the body was achieved as a result of the challenging tasks. By gaining a feeling of body awareness joy, energy and desire to do things increased. Learning new skills was promoted by having to be concentrated during therapy sessions and a sense of being able to carry out difficult tasks was achieved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participation in RGRM seems to have helped the persons come to terms with their changed bodies, leading to feelings of being connected with their bodies. A feeling of change in competence occurred when an ability to carry out the tasks was simultaneously achieved.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Stroke may cause considerable functional limitations with needs of rehabilitation services as a consequence. Participation in rhythm and movement activities may help persons who have had a stroke come to terms with their "new" bodies. The rhythm and movement activities were considered demanding and helped return to a meaningful life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Division of Physiotherapy and.
authors.forename: Kerstin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Thornberg
authors.forename: Staffan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Josephsson
authors.forename: Ingrid
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lindquist
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D003614:Dance Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation
keywords: Body awareness; movement therapy; participation; stroke