Using music to improve walking in patients with neurological conditions

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study explores the use of sonification techniques, which involve musical auditory cues, to enhance gait training in patients with Parkinson's disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. By providing auditory feedback that is pleasant and predictable, the study aims to improve sensorimotor learning and motor execution. Participants will undergo gait rehabilitation with sonification compared to standard rehabilitation methods. The effectiveness of this innovative approach will be assessed through various motor parameters.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion criteria (stroke patients)

* Age \< 80
* Mini Mental State Examination \> 24
* Modified Rankin Scale: 1-3
* Single hemisphere lesion
* Stabilized disease (\> 6 months after the acute event)
* Impairment in gait parameters (e.g. velocity, perceived fatigue etc)
* Motor independence during walking (without orthotic devices and aids) but with pathological pattern (spasticity level: Ashworth \< 2)

Inclusion criteria (patients with Parkinson's disease)

* Age \< 80
* Mini Mental State Examination \> 24
* Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale score (Parte III): \< 28
* Stabilized disease and drug therapy
* Altered gait patterns
* Motor independence during walking (without orthotic devices and aids) but with pathological pattern

Inclusion criteria (patients with multiple sclerosis):

* Age \< 60
* Mini Mental State Examination \> 24
* Expanded Disability Status Scale score: 3-5
* Stabilized disease in the last 6 months (without relapse or disability progression)
* Altered gait patterns (i.e., careening, slowing down, spasticity: Ashworth \< 2, etc.)
* Motor independence during walking

Exclusion Criteria (stroke patients)

* Multiple or bilateral lesions
* Neglect
* Equinism
* Spasticity: Ashworth \>2
* Structured (non-elastic) Achilles tendon retraction
* Neurotoxin in the 3 months prior to the study
* Baclofen introduced or modified in the week before the start of the study
* Previous or concurrent diseases disabling the lower limb functions
* Rehabilitative treatments with music in the year before the study

Exclusion criteria (patients with Parkinson's disease):

* Previous or concurrent diseases disabling the lower limb functions
* Changes of drug therapy during the study
* Rehabilitative treatments with music in the year before the study

Exclusion criteria (patients with multiple sclerosis):

* Previous or concurrent diseases disabling the lower limb functions
* Neurotoxin in the 3 months prior to the study
* Baclofen introduced or modified in the week before the start of the study
* Spasticity: Ashworth \>2
* Structured (non-elastic) Achilles tendon retraction
* Rehabilitative treatments with music in the year before the study

Where it's running

• Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS
  Pavia, Italy Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Alfredo Raglio, PhD — Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Pavia, Italy
• Study coordinator: Paola Baiardi, PhD
• Email: paola.baiardi@icsmaugeri.it
• Phone: +390382592599

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.