The Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on the Gait Symmetry in the Chronic Stroke Patients

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of gait training using rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait symmetry of stroke patients. Forty chronic stroke patients were divided into four groups by intervention. Group A and B received auditory stimulation when they walk with comfortable gait speed. Group A received auditory stimulation to paralyzed side while group B to non-paralyzed side. Group C and D received auditory stimulation with 10% faster gait speed than their comfortable gait speed. Group C received auditory stimulation to paralyzed side while group D to non-paralyzed side. Gait training using auditory stimulation was done in each group during five minutes. Gait symmetry was evaluated by formula and temporal variables of gait were measured by gait analysis system. Step time was decreased significantly in all groups except group A (P<.05), and gait symmetry was also improved significantly in all groups except group A (P<.05). Cadence was increased significantly in all groups except group A (p<.05), but velocity was not increased in all groups. Therefore we conclude that RAS gait training is effective in improving gait symmetry and can be useful to stroke patient's gait training.