The Ronnie Gardiner Method: An Innovative Music-Based Intervention for Neurological Rehabilitation -

The Ronnie Gardiner Method (RGM) is an innovative, practitioner-led, music-based intervention using sensorimotor and cognitive integration. RGM was originally developed by the Swedish musician Ronnie Gardiner. Since 2010, RGM has been successfully implemented within neurorehabilitation in many countries. The purpose of this article is to outline some of the theoretical assumptions underpinning the potential benefits from this intervention, using Parkinson’s disease as an example.

RGM is based on principles of neuroplasticity, motor learning, and postural control, and uses energizing, beat-based music to provide multisensory input (visual, audio, kinetic, and tactile) in order to stimulate experience-dependent neuroplastic processes. It aims at stimulating cognitive and motorfunction (e.g., memory, concentration, executive function, multitasking, coordination, mobility, balance, and motor skills). In addition, it may aid body awareness, self-esteem, and social skills. RGM has been scientifically evaluated as a means of multimodal sensory stimulation after stroke and as a means of improving mobility and cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease. RGM is a complex multi-task intervention with the potential to be beneficial in different settings and in different neurological conditions. It can be performed either while standing up or sitting down and can be practiced with the advantages gained as a group activity or individually, which makes it very flexible. It is currently being used as rehabilitation activity for people with stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, and depression. Furthermore, RGM is used in programs targeting healthy aging, ADHD, autism, and dyslexia, Parkinson’s disease and in ordinary school environments

Neurological rehabilitation branch of medicine which can generally reduce symptoms, improve function to the damage caused by infections, injuries, degenerative diseases, tumors, structural defects, and disorders in the circulatory system can be impairing the nervous system. Some of the conditions that have been benefited from neurological rehabilitation includes vascular disorders, functional disorders, neuromuscular disorders, degenerative disorders, like Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington chorea, Alzheimer disease