Gait Training with Bilateral Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Stroke frequently causes gait asymmetry and impaired lower extremity function.
• Conventional gait training may not fully restore symmetrical walking patterns.
• Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) has shown potential in modulating motor control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of gait training combined with bilateral rhythmic auditory stimulation (GTBR) for stroke patients.
• To assess the impact of GTBR on gait symmetry, gait ability, balance, and lower extremity function.
• To compare the outcomes of GTBR with conventional gait training alone.

Main Methods:

• Forty-four subacute stroke participants were randomized into GTBR or control groups.
• The GTBR group received 6 weeks of daily gait training with bilateral RAS.
• The control group received gait training without RAS, alongside conventional therapy.

Main Results:

• The GTBR group demonstrated significant improvements in gait symmetry (step time) compared to baseline.
• Gait ability showed greater improvement in the GTBR group versus the control group.
• Both groups improved in Timed Up and Go, Berg Balance Scale, and Fugl⁻Meyer Assessment, with GTBR showing enhanced effects.

Conclusions:

• Gait training with bilateral rhythmic auditory stimulation is an effective method for improving gait symmetry in stroke rehabilitation.
• Optimizing RAS parameters, such as beat frequency matching fast step time, may further enhance gait symmetry.
• Future research should explore RAS application for step time and length to improve stroke gait symmetry.