A simple procedure using auditory stimuli to improve movement in Parkinson's disease: a pilot study

It has been suggested that sequential movements in Parkinsonian patients might be improved by the effects of external rhythmic cues, either visual or acoustic, acting as a sort of timekeeper. In line with that idea, we have developed a portable system which allows the patient suffering from bradykinesia and rigidity to initiate appropriate auditory stimulation when he/she is not able to move. Here we present data from six Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients studied with surface electromyography, while walking along an 8.5m walkway. All showed remarkable improvement in the EMG parameters studied while using the device. The results are consistent with prior reports on rhythmic auditory facilitation in Parkinson's disease gait,and suggest that this represents a novel and inexpensive tool to help people afflicted by PD in daily motor performance.