[Effect of music therapy on brain function of autistic children based on power spectrum and sample entropy].

Researchers taught 8 autistic children to play the Guzheng (a Chinese string instrument) for 4 months and measured their brain activity. After the music training, the children's brain wave patterns became more similar to those of non-autistic children. The children also showed behavioral improvements that matched the brain changes. Longer training seemed to work better than shorter periods.

This preliminary study investigated the effects of Guzheng (Chinese zither) playing training on brain function in 8 children with autism spectrum disorder over 4 months. Using EEG analysis, researchers found that after training, participants showed increased alpha wave power in the occipital region and decreased theta wave power in the parietal region, bringing brain patterns closer to those of typically developing children. Sample entropy measures also improved, correlating with behavioral improvements. The study suggests that extended Guzheng training may enhance brain function in autistic children, with longer training periods showing better effects.

Guzheng training shows promise as a music therapy intervention for autism, potentially normalizing brain function patterns. However, larger controlled studies are needed before clinical implementation. The finding that longer training periods are more effective suggests extended intervention protocols may be beneficial.

Very small sample size (n=8), no control group mentioned, short intervention period, limited details on behavioral measures, unclear randomization or blinding procedures, and potential cultural specificity of the Guzheng instrument.

This study aims to explore whether Guzheng playing training has a positive impact on the brain functional state of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on power spectral and sample entropy analyses. Eight ASD participants were selected to undergo four months of Guzheng playing training, with one month as a training cycle. Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and behavioral data were collected for comparative analysis. The results showed that after Guzheng playing training, the relative power of the alpha band in the occipital lobe of ASD children increased, and the relative power of the theta band in the parietal lobe decreased.

The differences compared with typically developing (TD) children were narrowed. Moreover, some channels exhibited a gradual increase or decrease in power with the extended training period. Meanwhile, the sample entropy parameter also showed a similar upward trend, which was consistent with the behavioral data representation. The study shows that Guzheng training can enhance the brain function of ASD patients, with better effects from longer training.

Guzheng playing training could be used as a daily intervention for autism.