Rhythmic auditory cues to improve arm movement after stroke

Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Upper-limb Movements, Function, and Quality of Life in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial will see if rhythmic sound cues added to arm training help people with chronic, one-sided stroke move their affected arm faster, perform daily tasks better, and improve quality of life.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 68 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Taipei)
• Trial ID: NCT06830785 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will compare upper-limb movement training that uses rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) with the same training without RAS in people with chronic unilateral stroke. Participants must be at least six months post-stroke, have a first-time ischemic or hemorrhagic unilateral stroke, moderate motor return (Brunnstrom stages 4–6), minimal spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale ≤2), and intact cognition and hearing (MoCA ≥24 and ability to localize a clap). Outcome measures include movement speed, functional performance of activities of daily living, recovery of the affected upper limb, and patient-reported quality of life, measured before and after the intervention period. The trial is conducted at National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences and compares the two training approaches to see if adding RAS provides additional benefit.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults at least six months after a first unilateral ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke with moderate arm recovery (Brunnstrom stages 4–6), low spasticity (MAS ≤2), intact cognition (MoCA ≥24), and sufficient hearing to perceive nearby sound.

Not a fit: Patients with bilateral or recurrent strokes, severe spasticity (MAS >2), major cognitive impairment (MoCA <24), complete hearing loss in the affected ear, or those in the acute/subacute phase (<6 months post-stroke) are unlikely to fit or benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, adding rhythmic auditory cues to arm training could speed up arm movements, improve daily-function performance, and raise quality of life for people with chronic unilateral stroke.

How similar studies have performed: Rhythmic auditory stimulation has strong evidence for improving walking after stroke and limited but promising data for helping upper-limb function, so this application is somewhat novel but grounded in prior positive findings.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* (1) Diagnosed with either ischaemic or hemorrhagic stroke, and a first-time occurrence;
* (2) A unilateral stroke;
* (3) The onset occurred six months or more prior to the experiment, indicating a chronic stage of stroke;
* (4) The affected upper limb's proximal and distal joints are between Brunnstrom stages four to six, ensuring that the affected limb can execute the upper-limb functional movement training of this study;
* (5) The affected upper limb's Modified Ashworth Scale score is ≤ 2, indicating no significant muscle stiffness (spasticity) in the affected limb;
* (6) A Montreal Cognitive Assessment score of ≥ 24, ensuring comprehension of the instructions given during this study;
* and (7) when we clap hands next to the affected ear of the participant who closes eyes, the participant is able to indicate the sound's source either verbally or through gestures, indicating no complete hearing loss in the affected ear and the ability to receive rhythmic auditory stimulation.

Exclusion Criteria:

* (1) Neurological diseases or medical conditions that affect upper-limb movements or hearing;
* (2) Being participating in other experimental studies related to drug treatment or upper-limb movement therapy.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

• National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences — Taipei, Taiwan (Recruiting)

Conditions Stroke