Abstract
Background
This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation and functional electrical stimulation, applied individually and in combination, on spatiotemporal gait parameters in patients with subacute stroke.
Design
A single group repeated measures design.
Methods
Five patients diagnosed with subacute stroke participated in this study. Each participant performed three walking conditions in randomized order: walking with functional electrical stimulation, walking with rhythmic auditory stimulation, and walking with both interventions combined. Gait parameters, including gait velocity, ambulation time, number of steps, difference in step length between limbs, and gait cycle time difference, were measured using an electronic walkway analysis system. Repeated measures analysis of variance and the Friedman test were used to analyze the data.
Results
Statistically significant differences were observed in gait velocity (F=4.487, p=.030) and ambulation time (χ²=8.143, p=.040), with the combined intervention condition showing the greatest improvement in both variables. Although post-hoc analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences, the average increase in gait velocity of 10.2 centimeters per second in the combined intervention condition approached the minimal detectable change threshold for individuals with moderate walking ability. Other variables, such as number of steps, step length differential, and cycle time differential, did not show statistically significant changes.
Conclusion
The findings of this pilot study suggest that the combined application of rhythmic auditory stimulation and functional electrical stimulation may lead to immediate improvements in gait performance in patients with subacute stroke. This combined approach appears to be effective in enhancing gait velocity and efficiency.
This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation and functional electrical stimulation, applied individually and in combination, on spatiotemporal gait parameters in patients with subacute stroke.
Design
A single group repeated measures design.
Methods
Five patients diagnosed with subacute stroke participated in this study. Each participant performed three walking conditions in randomized order: walking with functional electrical stimulation, walking with rhythmic auditory stimulation, and walking with both interventions combined. Gait parameters, including gait velocity, ambulation time, number of steps, difference in step length between limbs, and gait cycle time difference, were measured using an electronic walkway analysis system. Repeated measures analysis of variance and the Friedman test were used to analyze the data.
Results
Statistically significant differences were observed in gait velocity (F=4.487, p=.030) and ambulation time (χ²=8.143, p=.040), with the combined intervention condition showing the greatest improvement in both variables. Although post-hoc analysis did not reveal statistically significant differences, the average increase in gait velocity of 10.2 centimeters per second in the combined intervention condition approached the minimal detectable change threshold for individuals with moderate walking ability. Other variables, such as number of steps, step length differential, and cycle time differential, did not show statistically significant changes.
Conclusion
The findings of this pilot study suggest that the combined application of rhythmic auditory stimulation and functional electrical stimulation may lead to immediate improvements in gait performance in patients with subacute stroke. This combined approach appears to be effective in enhancing gait velocity and efficiency.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 81-94 |
| Journal | The Journal of Korean Academy of Physical Therapy Science |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 31 2025 |
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