Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation and Dual-task Gait Training in Chronic Stroke

NCT07709130 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2026/01-1781
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 46
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Rhythmic auditory stimulation and dual-task gait training may improve post-stroke mobility, but evidence regarding integrated programmes and age-related differences in treatment response remains limited. The aim of the study is to evaluate changes in mobility, balance, motor dual-task performance, concern about falling, and health-related quality of life after a six-week combined programme, and to explore whether responses differed across age strata.

Conditions

Stroke; Dual Task; Gait Training; Auditory Task

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Motor dual-task performance

  Participants completed a 10-m walk at their comfortable speed under single-task and motor dual-task conditions. In the dual-task condition, they carried a ball while walking and were instructed to give equal attention to both tasks. Three trials were performed under each condition, and mean completion time was used in the analysis. Positive values indicated greater dual-task interference.

  at baseline and after the six-week programme

• Functional mobility

  Functional mobility was assessed using the Timed Up and Go test, with shorter completion times indicating better performance. One familiarization trial preceded the timed assessment.

  at baseline and after the six-week programme

• Balance

  Dynamic balance was assessed using the 14-item Mini-BESTest, which evaluates anticipatory postural adjustments, reactive postural control, sensory orientation, and dynamic gait. Total scores range from 0 to 28, with higher scores indicating better balance. Static balance was assessed bilaterally using the Single-Leg Stance Test. Two trials were performed on each side, and the longest duration before foot contact, stance-foot movement, or loss of balance was recorded.

  at baseline and after the six-week programme

Study Arms (1)

Stroke Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants completed a supervised six-week programme comprising three 30-minute sessions per week (18 sessions; planned dose, 540 minutes). During each session, they synchronized their steps with a metronome while performing tandem walking with progressively demanding object-carrying tasks. Participants maintained their usual walking speed and were instructed to give equal attention to gait and the concurrent motor task. Progression was designed by the research team in accordance with general motor-learning principles and involved predefined weekly increases in metronome tempo and concurrent motor-task complexity.

Other: Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation and Motor Dual-Task Gait Training Programme

Interventions

Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation and Motor Dual-Task Gait Training Programme OTHER

The intervention combined RAS with progressively intensified motor dual-task gait training.6 Participants completed a supervised six-week programme comprising three 30-minute sessions per week (18 sessions; planned dose, 540 minutes). During each session, they synchronized their steps with a metronome while performing tandem walking with progressively demanding object-carrying tasks. Participants maintained their usual walking speed and were instructed to give equal attention to gait and the concurrent motor task. Progression was designed by the research team in accordance with general motor-learning principles and involved predefined weekly increases in metronome tempo and concurrent motor-task complexity. provided that the preceding stage had been completed safely. All sessions were delivered individually by the same licensed physiotherapist experienced in neurology.

Stroke Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Up to 72 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• age ≥45 years
• stroke ≥6 months previously
• ability to walk at least 10 m independently or with minimal assistance
• sufficient hearing to follow rhythmic auditory cues

You may not qualify if:

• advanced aphasia
• severe neglect, cognitive impairment,
• marked visual impairment,
• severe spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale score15 ≥3)
• severe cardiopulmonary disease
• vestibular dysfunction
• an orthopaedic condition limiting walking
• progressive neurological disease

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Recep Tayyip Erdogan University: lead
• İstanbul Yeni Yüzyıl Üniversitesi: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Recep Tayyip Erdogan University

Rize, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Stroke

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cerebrovascular Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Vascular Diseases; Cardiovascular Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Masking Details: An independent assessor, unaware of previous scores and age-stratum allocation, conducted baseline and post-intervention assessments. Prespecified exploratory analyses compared changes across age strata.
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Research Assistant Dr.

Model Details: This prospective single-group pre-post study evaluated changes following a six-week programme combining rhythmic auditory stimulation with dual-task gait training in individuals with chronic stroke. Prespecified exploratory analyses examined changes across age strata. Participants were consecutively recruited from the neurology and physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient clinics. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately after the six-week programme by the same independent physiotherapist, who was not involved in treatment delivery and was unaware of participants' prior scores and age-stratum assignment. The intervention combined RAS with progressively intensified motor dual-task gait training. Participants completed a supervised six-week programme comprising three 30-minute sessions per week.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 11, 2026
• First Posted: July 16, 2026
• Study Start: January 15, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 15, 2026
• Study Completion: May 15, 2026
• Last Updated: July 16, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)