Efficacy of rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait parameters in hemiplegic stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Gait disorders which caused by stroke are one of the most common causes of functional disabilities in hemiparetic stroke patients that leads to significant impact on quality of life and financial cost. In this study, we focused on how certain gait metrics in stroke patients were affected by rhythmic auditory stimulation and treadmill training. Results: In this randomized controlled experiment, which involved 30 male stroke patients, there was a significant increase in post treatment walking speed, step cycle, step length, percent of time on each foot and ambulation index in both groups. The post treatment improvement in gait parameters was significantly higher in the study group compared to the controls. Conclusions: Combination of rhythmic auditory stimulation with treadmill training enhances the gait performance.