The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) works with the University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Music (UPCM) for the development of guitar lessons that will help restore hand function among stroke patients with unilateral hand impairment. 

Led by Prof. Nathan Neil Manimtim, project G.T.A.R.A. or “Grip/Grasp Training with Active Range of Motion Activities using Guitar,” developed  a set of guitar exercises that can achieve hand function rehabilitation effects. These exercises are similar to those currently used in traditional occupational therapy sessions for patients with one impaired hand and one normally functioning hand. 

To showcase the results of an eight-week treatment session, the project team staged a guitar presentation featuring seven study participants last 17 December 2022 at the Mini Hall of UPCM. The performances demonstrated the benefits of utilizing the guitar methods curated by the project team for chronic stroke patients.

“This partnership with UPCM aims to capitalize on the benefits of leveraging music therapy as a rehabilitation strategy for patients,” DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya said. “If successful, this project can contribute to the recovery of our stroke patients with hand impairments, and enable them to perform their tasks normally,” he added.

Two (2) patients have completed the experimental treatment program and are awaiting post-treatment evaluation, while four (4) are still currently undergoing the experimental treatment program. 

Funded by the DOST-PCHRD, the project has an overall budget of PhP 3,111,039.14. The project ended last December 31, 2022. Evaluation of the project results is still ongoing.