Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) on Gait Ability and Symmetry after Stroke

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the application of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) to the rehabilitation of stroke patients and its effect on gait symmetry. [Subjects] Twenty-five subjects with stroke performed walking under five conditions and the study progressed following a randomized single-blind cross-sectional design. [Methods] We evaluated the effects of a 5-minute session of RAS. Subjects walked under five conditions: (1) a comfortable speed without external rhythm; (2) non-paretic leg footfall with RAS matching the baseline speed; (3) non-paretic leg footfall with RAS 30% slower than the baseline speed; (4) paretic leg footfall with RAS beat frequency matching the baseline speed; (5) paretic leg footfall with RAS 30% faster than the baseline speed. The step time (paretic leg and non-paretic leg), velocity and cadence were measured before and after gait training with RAS [Results] Gait symmetry improved in conditions 4 and 5, but not in conditions 2 and 3. Gait ability was assessed with velocity and cadence. Velocity and cadence improved in conditions 4 and 5. [Conclusion] The results of the study demonstrate the ability of RAS to improve gait symmetry. Thus, RAS should be an effective method for the improvement of the gait symmetry of chronic stroke patients.