Cognitive Remediation Method Using Rhythmic, Vocal and Corporal Musical Learning for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, affecting 1% of the population, is a persistent disorder characterized by varied symptoms. Antipsychotic medications effectively address positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations) and relapse but have limited impact on negative symptoms (e.g., blunted affect, anhedonia) and cognitive impairment. These dimensions significantly influence social functioning and quality of life. Combining non-pharmacological approaches like Cognitive Remediation (CR) and psychosocial rehabilitation alongside antipsychotic drugs is recommended to enhance overall functioning and quality of life. Current CR programs show moderate effectiveness due to patient commitment issues. However, completed programs demonstrate higher efficacy. Real-life applicability of these programs lacks sufficient data. We propose musical learning for cognitive remediation due to its established cognitive benefits in the general population, targeting executive functions, working memory, attention, and inhibition. These functions are specifically impaired in schizophrenia and thus are relevant for remediation. Though unexplored in schizophrenia, music learning seems promising due to its motivational and pleasurable aspects for long-term commitment and its transferability through embodied and situated dimensions. A pilot study (ARCoS-1) on CR by musical learning demonstrated feasibility and preliminary positive results on cognitive and negative symptoms. This project aims to assess this method's effectiveness on a larger scale. Our hypothesis posits that musical learning offers an efficient and well-received medium for CR in patients with schizophrenia.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patient with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder (DSM-5 TR criteria) * Clinically stable (no full-time hospitalization related to schizophrenia for 3 months) * Regular psychiatric follow-up * Enrolled in at least 1 therapeutic or social out-of-home activity * No change in the antipsychotic treatment for 3 months (medication and/or dosage) * Have given free, informed and written consent to participate in the study. * Patient affiliated or beneficiary of a social security scheme Exclusion Criteria: * Patient with moderate to severe intellectual disability (clinical criteria) * Engaged in a Social rythmic or musical activity * Presenting an addictive comorbidity (excluding tobacco addiction and behavioural addictions) * Presenting a neurological pathology with cognitive impact * Involved in a neurocognitive remediation program