Rhythmic auditory stimulation during gait adaptation enhances learning aftereffects and savings by reducing common neural drives to lower limb muscles

Abstract

RAS during gait adaptation against swing phase perturbation enhances learning aftereffects and savings of gait symmetries. EMG-EMG coherence in the rectus femoris muscle in the β band on the perturbed side during the swing phase was significantly lower in the RAS than in the no-RAS conditions during the early adaptation period. These results support the application of RAS as external feedback to improve gait symmetry during gait adaptation in the rehabilitation of neurological patients.