Rhythmic auditory stimulation in gait rehabilitation for traumatic brain and spinal cord injury

Abstract

Walking impairments consider one from common secondary impairments post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) and spinal cord injury (SCI). As the evidence showed that RAS is effective in improving the gait ability in those with other neurological disorders, we propose that RAS is also effective in those with TBI and SCI. The aim was to test our hypothesis. Two pilot studies were included. In the first study, eight individuals with TBI participated in RAS experimental 1. Besides, five individuals participated in RAS experimental 2. In the second study, seventeen individuals with incomplete SCI participated RAS intervention. The included studies reported beneficial effects of RAS on gait ability in TBI and SCI population. Specifically, in the walking pattern aspect post-TBI, the cadence post thoracic incomplete SCI, besides, velocity and stride length post cervical incomplete SCI. Despite no confirmed conclusion that can be drawn, the initial findings of the existing evidence on the influences of RAS on gait ability in individuals with TBI and SCI are promising. Special attention should be given by researchers to conduct more researches on this topic to confirm using this approach in clinical practice in the future.