Foundational frameworks supporting selection of music and outcome measures in studies of cognition among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI): An integrative review

Introduction: Foundational frameworks are formal theories or intervention rationales used to justify choices of and ensure congruence between variables. What are the characteristics of foundational frameworks in studies of music interventions designed to improve cognition among people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and are choices of music intervention and outcome measures congruent with them? This review addresses this question and allows practitioners to evaluate research-based clinical strategies and to transfer these protocols into effective practice.Method: Experimental studies were included if they enrolled only people with MCI, focused exclusively on cognition and used music as a primary intervention. Thirteen studies met the full inclusion criteria and were selected based on consultation between the two authors. Searches were conducted between April and July 2020 and updated in August 2022. Integrative review methodology was used to extract, analyze and evaluate information pertaining to each research question, and included a quality appraisal.Results: Results found that eight studies relied primarily on prior research to justify selection of music interventions. Twenty-five different outcome measures were used across all studies, and while music experiences appeared to be connected to the constructs represented in these measures, some connections were indirect or unclear. Finally, there was considerable variation in the depth and degree of congruence between explanatory frameworks and choices regarding music interventions and outcome measures.Discussion: Findings from this review are important for the development of future theoretical models, clinical research, and evidence-based treatment protocols in this emerging area of practice.