Gait in Older People with Cognitive Impairments During Rhythmic Auditory Cueing: A Scoping Review

Rhythmic auditory cueing (RAC) can enhance gait performance. However, little is known about its effect in people with cognitive impairment. The aim of this review was to describe, in studies of people with cognitive impairment: 1) the medical conditions and cognitive stages studied; 2) the RAC protocols and gait variables measured; and 3) whether cognitive stage or RAC protocols have differing effects on gait.

Search terms included older age, cognitive impairment, auditory cueing, and gait. Three databases (PubMed, Embase via Ovid, Web of Science) were searched.

Eight studies (n = 204 participants) were included. The diagnoses were Alzheimer's dementia, unspecified dementia, Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonian disorders. Cognitive stages ranged from mild cognitive impairment to late-stage dementia. RAC was commonly by metronome or music, at a preferred cadence tempo. The most common gait variables were speed, step length and cadence. Electronic walkways, accelerometers, or stopwatches were the most common measurement tools. The effect of RAC on gait across cognitive stages and diagnoses was mixed, with most studies reporting worse, or no change, in gait.

Cognitive impairment may influence the effect of RAC on gait. Studies with larger samples and a range of cognitive stages are needed.