GAIT TRAINING WITH AUDITORY RHYTHMS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN CHRONIC STROKE

Authors

  • Matthew P. Ford
  • Laurie A. Malone

Keywords:

metronome, walking speed, gait analysis

Abstract

During walking in healthy adults, characteristic movement patterns between the upper and lower body relate directly to walking velocity. In persons who suffer a stroke, walking velocity decreases as motor deficits appear in both the arm and leg opposite the side of the stroke. Recent findings indicate that treadmill walking to a metronome beat impacts arm motion, however, the effect is dependent on the severity of motor deficits. The changes in arm motion lead to changes that are indicative of improvements in overall walking function. The purpose of this project is to determine the efficacy of over-ground gait training using an external auditory rhythm directed at arm movement versus leg movement on improving movement coordination, walking velocity, and daily physical activity in persons who have suffered a stroke.

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Published

2007-11-09