Responders to Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation in Individuals Post-Stroke and Older Adults

Launched by BOSTON UNIVERSITY CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS · Oct 13, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) can help people who have had a stroke and older adults improve their walking abilities. RAS uses rhythmic sounds, like music or a metronome, to help retrain the brain and body to walk more smoothly and efficiently. Researchers want to understand how well RAS works for individuals after a stroke and if age affects its effectiveness. They will recruit 24 people who have had a stroke and 20 older adults, asking them to walk for six minutes twice—once without any sound and once while listening to the rhythmic sounds.

To participate, individuals must be able to walk for at least six minutes on their own, although using a cane is allowed. They should be able to communicate clearly and must have had their stroke at least six months prior. Participants will undergo two walking tests to see if RAS helps them walk farther and with better control. The study is currently recruiting and aims to find out if RAS can make a meaningful difference in walking for these groups.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Be able to communicate with investigators clearly
• • The ability to walk without another individual supporting the person's body weight for at least 6 minutes. Assistive devices, such as a cane, are allowed.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to communicate (as assessed by a licensed physical therapist)
• • Pain that impairs walking ability (as assessed by a licensed physical therapist)
• • Unexplained dizziness in the last 6 months (self-report)
• • Severe comorbidities that affect walking or may interfere with the ability to participate in the study (musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and neurological)
• • More than 2 falls in the previous month
• Stroke-specific Inclusion Criteria:
• • at least 6 months post-stroke
• Older adults specific Inclusion Criteria:
• • 65 to 80 years of age