Auditory Cue Integration for a Power-Assisted Gait Training System Based on Neurodevelopmental Treatment Principles

This study presents an enhanced gait rehabilitation system that integrates an event-driven auditory cueing module with a power-assisted mobile trainer designed according to neurodevelopmental treatment principles. The system comprises three key components: 1) a power-assist module that adaptively synchronizes with the user's gait to reduce physical effort; 2) a phase-specific tactile cueing mechanism that provides stimulation at the anterior superior iliac spine to facilitate coordinated motor responses; and 3) a real-time auditory cueing mechanism that delivers gait phase-aligned prompts to reinforce motor learning. The complete platform was evaluated in healthy participants and post-stroke patients. Experimental results indicated improvements in gait symmetry, pelvic rotation, and walking speed. These findings suggest that the integration of power assistance with synchronized tactile and auditory cues can provide a consistent and therapist-like intervention that enhances gait quality while reducing clinical workload.