Comparison of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation Gait Training with and Without Vibrotactile Feedback on Balance and Gait in Persons with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

TL;DR

This study compares gait training with and without vibrotactile feedback in stroke patients, finding that adding feedback improves balance and walking performance more effectively.

Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating that combining rhythmic auditory stimulation with vibrotactile feedback provides greater gait and balance improvements than using auditory stimulation alone.

Findings

Both RAS-V and RG groups showed significant improvements in balance and gait within their groups.

The RAS-V group showed significantly greater improvements in gait velocity, cadence, and 10 mWT compared to the RG group.

RAS-V led to better TUG scores and overall gait performance than RAS alone.

Abstract

Background: Although both rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) and vibrotactile feedback have been shown to yield beneficial effects in stroke rehabilitation, evidence regarding their combined application remains limited. This study investigates the effects of RAS gait training alone (RG) versus RAS combined with vibrotactile feedback (RAS-V) on balance and gait in individuals post-stroke. Methods: Twenty-two people with stroke were randomly assigned to either an RAS-V or an RG group. The RAS-V group performed RAS gait training combined with vibrotactile feedback while the RG group performed RAS gait training. Both groups participated in 30-min gait training sessions, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Balance ability was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Gait ability was evaluated using the G-Walk gait analyzer and the 10-m Walk Test (10 mWT), including gait cadence, velocity, and stride length. Results: Within-group comparisons showed significant improvements in BBS (p < 0.001) and TUG scores (p < 0.05) in both groups. The RAS-V group demonstrated significant post-intervention improvements in gait velocity, 10 mWT (p < 0.05), and gait cadence (p < 0.001). Between-group comparisons revealed that the RAS-V group achieved significantly greater improvements than the RG group in TUG, gait cadence, gait velocity, and 10 mWT (p < 0.05). Conclusions: RAS gait training with vibrotactile feedback enhances balance and gait ability more effectively than RAS gait training alone, suggesting additional benefits of incorporating vibrotactile feedback.

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