Music-induced cortical plasticity: Protocol for a systematic review

This paper outlines a rigorous, pre-registered protocol for a systematic review aimed at mapping the neurobiological effects of music engagement in adults aged 50 and older. While existing literature has explored music's impact on the brain, findings remain fragmented across structural, functional, and vascular domains. By integrating these diverse metrics, the authors aim to clarify how musical experience—ranging from active training to passive listening—reshapes the aging brain and translates into cognitive and behavioral outcomes.

The review will follow PRISMA-P guidelines and has been registered on PROSPERO. The authors plan to conduct a comprehensive search across seven major databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO. The inclusion criteria are defined by the PICOS framework, focusing on studies that measure structural brain changes (e.g., gray/white matter integrity), functional network activity, and cerebrovascular hemodynamics. To ensure high-quality evidence, the team will use validated tools such as the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2.0) and the GRADE scale to assess the certainty of the findings.

Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of music-induced plasticity is critical for both theoretical neuroscience and clinical application. If music can reliably induce structural and vascular adaptations, it may serve as a non-pharmacological intervention to promote cognitive resilience in aging populations. This systematic review is intended to bridge the gap between descriptive behavioral observations and the underlying neural mechanisms, providing a foundation for future neuroscience-based therapeutic interventions for conditions like dementia or stroke.