Movement, Singing, and Instrument Playing Strategies for a Child with Myotonic Dystrophy

Myotonic dystrophy, a type of muscular dystrophy, is defined as a genetic disorder with progressive muscle deterioration and weakness. The subject in this study, a 10-year-old boy, was diagnosed with congenital myotonic dystrophy with gross and fine motor deficits and articulation disorders. The purpose of this case study was to investigate the transfer of gross motor, articulation, and instrument playing skills during small group music therapy sessions to regular physical education classes and regular music education classes. Results indicated that the frequency of "accurate" task performances were significantly correlated in music therapy and physical education classes and music therapy and music education classes. Although the results of this study may not substantiate the transfer of skills from the music therapy group sessions to regular physical education and music education classes, the findings may suggest the efficacy of practicing gross motor, articulation, and instrument playing skills in small group music therapy settings as supplemental strategies that may enhance regular classroom skills.