A Music-Guided Home-Based Claudication Rehabilitation Program

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: We previously demonstrated that using rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) to accentuate the beat and increase the tempo of music immediately increased walking distance and distracted from pain in patients with claudication. We hypothesized that it would be feasible to tailor a home-based walking exercise program using rhythm-controlled RAS-enhanced music, and that this would improve total distance walked during a 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD). Methods: This study was designed as a feasibility study in patients with lifestyle limiting claudication. We enrolled 12 participants (8 men, 8 black, age = 65.4 ± 7.8 y, ankle brachial index = 0.59 ± 0.17) in an RAS-enhanced, music-guided, home-based walking program, 3 times per week for 60 min per session. Repeated-measures mixed modeling with unstructured covariance matrix and robust standard errors were used to assess within-group treatment differences over time. Results: At 6 weeks, 6MWD increased by 48 m (P ≤ 0.001). At 12 weeks, similar patterns were noted, with an increase of 41 m in total walking distance (P = 0.001). Subjective measures of physical function were significantly improved. Exercise adherence was 89%. Conclusion: It is feasible to design a home-based exercise program for claudication by using the rhythmic and distractive properties of music to guide, facilitate, and progress exercise while maintaining a high level of adherence.