Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation as Pre-Gait Training for Improving Balance and Weight Shifting in Rehabilitation Patients

Overview

The purpose of this study is to explore whether Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) as pre-gait training can help improve balance, weight-shifting abilities, and overall gait performance in stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation. This is a feasibility study, designed to evaluate the practicality of incorporating RAS into stroke rehabilitation programs. It aims to assess how well patients can participate in and adhere to this intervention, as well as how seamlessly it integrates with standard physiotherapy treatments typically provided to stroke patients. By examining these factors, the investigators aim to identify the resources, staff training, and planning required to implement RAS as a regular component of stroke rehabilitation in the future. The study will also help estimate the effects of RAS on balance and gait outcomes, providing preliminary data to design a larger, more comprehensive study in the future.

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, often resulting in impairments such as balance deficits and gait abnormalities, which significantly impact patients' quality of life and independence in daily functioning. Rehabilitation for individuals with gait impairments typically involves physiotherapy aimed at improving balance and weight shifting. Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) is an evidence-based therapeutic technique that uses rhythmic cues to enhance motor control and coordination. Preliminary studies suggest that RAS can improve gait performance, but its potential as a pre-gait training intervention prior to physiotherapy sessions has not been extensively explored. Despite a concerted effort to promote the use of music therapy in Malaysia over the last decade, structured approaches integrating RAS into local rehabilitation programs remain lacking. This contrasts with neighboring countries such as Singapore, where music therapy has gained traction as a formal therapeutic modality. This study proposes to investigate the feasibility and potential benefits of incorporating RAS into pre-gait training for rehabilitation patients. If successful, this approach could support the integration of RAS into clinical neurorehabilitation settings, providing a scalable and accessible solution to improve balance and weight-shifting abilities, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of gait-focused physiotherapy.