Variable Cadence Gait Training Outcomes Using Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation Embedded in Older Adults' Preferred Music

Older adults must have the ability to walk at variable speeds/distances to meet community demands. This single group pre-post test study's purposes were to examine if actual cadences after 7 weeks of rhythmic auditory stimulation gait training matched target cadences, improved walking distance, duration, velocity, maximum cadence, balance, enjoyment, and/or changed spatial/temporal gait parameters. Fourteen female adults (72.6 ± 4.4 years) participated in 14 sessions, while variable cadences were progressively introduced. Eleven older adult responders walked faster (3.8 steps/min) than one target cadence (-10% pace) while matching the target cadences for the other paces when walking with rhythmic auditory stimulation. Two nonresponders walked near their baseline cadence with little variability while one walked at faster cadences; all three did not appear to adjust to the beat of the music. After training, participants increased their walking distance, 90.8 ± 46.5 m; t(1, 13) = -7.3; p ≤ .005, velocity, 0.36 ± 0.15 m/s; t(1, 40) = -15.4; p < .001, and maximum cadence, 20.6 ± 9.1 steps/min; t(1, 40) = -14.6; p < .001; changes exceeded minimal clinically important differences. Twelve of 14 expressed enjoyment. Walk with rhythmic auditory stimulation training is a promising activity for older adults, which may translate to an individual's ability to adapt walking speeds to various community demands.