Immediate effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait in stroke patients in relation to the lesion site

[Purpose] Rhythmic auditory stimulation has been used in gait training for stroke patients. However, few studies have investigated its effects in relation to lesion sites. Therefore, this study examined the immediate effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait in stroke patients with lesions in different regions. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred and five patients were recruited and divided into five groups according to the lesion site: cerebellum, pons and medulla, thalamus, putamen, and corona radiata. During training, participants walked to an auditory, continuous rhythmic beat, which was set to each individual's cadence. [Results] Pre- versus post-test measures revealed significant increases in velocity and stride length in the cerebellum, pons and medulla, and thalamus groups. Although the putamen and corona radiata groups demonstrated increases in velocity and stride length, the increases were not significant. [Conclusion] Rhythmic auditory stimulation was effective in facilitating the prediction of motor timing and gait rhythm in stroke patients with lesions in the cerebellum, pons and medulla, and thalamus, which are associated with impairment of the timing mechanism.