Comparison of effect of rhythmic auditory cueing versus rhythmic visual cueing on gait abnormalities with gait parameters in Parkinson’s patients

Abstract

: Parkinson’s patients benefit from multisensory cues, therefore it is vital to determine which sensory cue is more effective on gait.A Case-Control study design with a correlational technique wherein the evaluation of the relationship of the variables between two different groups was performed (baseline & post-intervention). The study consisted of 14 individuals with Group A (n=7) & Group B (n=7) using Random allocation by Chit Method. Group A (Rhythmic Auditory Cueing) with the help of metronomic cues given based on the subject’s initial cadence and progressed by 10% each week and Group B (Rhythmic Visual Cueing) with colorful stripes on the ground, the placement of which was changed each week. The duration of the study was 4 weeks (3 times each week), wherein the patients were made to walk on a 10m pathway. The outcome measures used were the crude method of gait analysis and the 10m Walk Test (at baseline and post-intervention).   We conclude that both the group had improvements in their Spatio-temporal gait parameters, however, Group A had better results. The clinical study takes us to the conclusion that the intervention of Rhythmic auditory cueing proves to be more effective in improving the patient’s stride length, cadence, and, step-width thus helping in improving the patient's walking pattern.