Effect of Music Based Therapy Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) Using Wearable Device in Rehabilitation of Neurological Patients: A Systematic Review

Sensors, 2023 · DOI: 10.3390/s23135933 · Published: June 26, 2023

Neurology Rehabilitation Telehealth & Digital Health

Simple Explanation

This review explores the use of music-based therapy, specifically Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS), in aiding the rehabilitation of patients with neurological conditions, utilizing wearable devices to enhance treatment. The review analyzes existing studies focusing on neurological populations such as those with Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries, examining how music and rhythm, delivered via wearable technology, can improve balance and gait. The goal is to understand the potential of music-based therapy to offer a cost-effective and easily applicable rehabilitation process for neurological patients, addressing the increasing economic burden of neurological disorders due to an aging population.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Neurological patients, including those with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injuries.

Evidence Level

Systematic Review

Key Findings

1
Music-based therapy RAS has a positive impact on spatiotemporal gait parameters, including walking speed, stride length, and cadence in neurological patients.
2
The type of music influences gait parameters; classical music tends to decrease gait parameters, while other genres like heavy metal can increase speed and stride duration.
3
Interactive rhythmic cueing systems, like Walk-Mate, show promise for gait re-learning by ensuring a better synchronization between steps and cues, compared to fixed-pace RAS.

Research Summary

This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of music-based therapy and rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), utilizing wearable devices, for the rehabilitation of neurological patients, particularly those with Parkinson’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries. The review of fifteen articles revealed that music-based interventions have a positive impact on spatiotemporal gait parameters. Improvements were noted in stride length, walking speed, and cadence, although the specific effects varied depending on the music genre and cueing method used. The study underscores the potential of wearable devices in quantifying and monitoring motor movements, facilitating the integration of music-based interventions into clinical practices and rehabilitation programs for patients with movement disorders.

Practical Implications

Clinical Implementation

Music-based therapy RAS can be integrated into healthcare systems as a beneficial tool for the rehabilitation of patients with movement disorders.

Personalized Therapy Design

Therapists should consider tailoring music selection to individual preferences and the desired effects on gait parameters (e.g., using stimulating music genres to increase speed and stride length).

Technology Application

Wearable devices can be utilized to monitor motor movements and quantify the effects of music-based therapy, allowing for data-driven adjustments to treatment strategies.

Study Limitations

1
The review primarily focuses on Parkinson's disease, limiting the generalizability to other neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis, stroke, and spinal cord injuries.
2
Most studies were conducted in controlled environments, and the results may not fully reflect real-world conditions.
3
The reliance on indirect estimation of gait parameters using inertial sensors introduces a potential for error in the measurement of spatiotemporal parameters.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Neurology