Gait and balance impairments are common after stroke. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) in combination with conventional physiotherapy on gait parameters and walking ability in subacute stroke. This single-blind, historical controlled trial, included 55 patients who had suffered a stroke within the three weeks prior to enrolment. Patients from 2018 (n = 27) were assigned as the historical control group whereas 2019 patients (n = 28) received music-based RAS three times a week. Both groups received 11 h of conventional physiotherapy per week during hospitalization. Primary outcomes were gait and balance parameters (Tinetti test and Timed Up&Go test) and walking ability (Functional Ambulation Category scale). Secondary outcomes were trunk control, assistive devices, functional independence (Functional Independence Measure, Barthel index), and stroke severity and disability (modified Rankin scale, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale). Results: No between-group differences were identified for gait and balance parameters nor for secondary outcomes. Significant between-group differences were observed in the Functional Ambulation Category: the intervention group (Δmean ± SD; 3.43 ± 1.17) showed greater improvement (p = 0.002) than the control group (Δmean ± SD; 2.48 ± 1.09). Compared with conventional physiotherapy alone, our results suggest that the walking ability of subacute stroke patients might be improved with music-based RAS combined with conventional physiotherapy, but this treatment is not more effective than conventional physiotherapy in obtaining gait and balance gains.

Background: Several studies have reported the effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on functional ambulation in stroke patients, yet no systematic overview has yet been published. This study aims to synthesize the available evidence describing changes in stroke patients after RAS intervention for functional ambulation and the use of walking assistive devices, and to find out if the effect of RAS and music-based RAS differs depending on the lesioned area. Methods: The PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL electronic databases were searched for reports evaluating the effect of RAS on walking in stroke patients, applying the PICOS criteria for the inclusion of studies. Results: Twenty one articles were included (948 stroke survivors). Most studies were of good methodological quality according to the PEDro scale, but they had a high risk of bias. The most consistent finding was that RAS improves walking and balance parameters in stroke patients in all phases compared to baseline and versus control groups with conventional treatment. Functional ambulation and the use of walking assistive devices were inconsistently reported. Several studies also suggest that RAS may be as good as other complementary therapies (horse-riding and visual cueing). Conclusions: Despite the beneficial effects of RAS, the question remains as to whether it is better than other complementary therapies. Given the heterogeneity of the interventions, the interventions in control groups, the varied durations, and the different outcome measures, we suggest that care should be taken in interpreting and generalizing findings. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42021277940.

Purpose: the purpose of this paper was to evaluate the effects of music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation on balance and motor function after stroke and whether there are differences depending on the affected hemisphere, lesion site and age. Materials and Methods: This study was an observational and longitudinal study. Adult stroke survivors (n = 28), starting no later than 3 weeks after a stroke, conducted 90 min sessions of music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation 3 days a week, in addition to 60 min a day of conventional physiotherapy. Balance ability was evaluated using the Mini Best Test and the Tinetti Test; motor function was evaluated using the Motor Assessment Scale. Results: All of the participants significantly improved their balance ability and motor function variables upon comparing scores at discharge and admission. Intragroup differences were observed upon comparing subgroups of patients by lesion site and by the degree of motor impairment. Age, stroke type and affected hemisphere seemed not to be directly related to the amount of improvement. Conclusions: This study suggests that the effects of music-based rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on balance ability and motor function varies depending on the scale or test used for evaluation and on the variables that the tests measure. Patients with hemiparesis seemed to improve more than those with hemiplegia.

The core is important in providing local strength and balance and is central to almost all kinetic chains of daily activities. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of additional Core Stability Exercises (CSE) to conventional physiotherapy (CP) versus CP alone to improve dynamic sitting balance, coordination, trunk function, and stepping (gait) as a primary outcome and functional sitting balance, postural control, standing balance and fall risk, lower limb spasticity, activities of daily living, degree of disability, and quality of life for early subacute stroke recovery. A multicentre parallel, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial was conducted. Eighty-seven early stroke survivors initiated (≤30 days) were divided into two groups. Experimental group (EG) performed CSE in addition to CP and the control group (CG) performed CP alone for 5-day/week for 5-week. Outcomes were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention (5-week) and follow-up (12-week). Quality of life was assessed at 5-week and 12- week. Variables were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni's post-hoc test. All statistical tests were performed for 0.05 significance level and 95% confidence interval. Eighty-three individuals were analyzed 40 in the EG and 43 in the CG. Differences between groups were shown favoring EG regarding dynamic sitting balance, trunk coordination/function (Spanish-Trunk Impairment Scale), lower limb spasticity (modified-Ashworth Scale) and balance (Spanish-Postural Assessment Scale). No differences were observed for the other outcomes. CSE in addition to CP improves dynamic sitting balance, trunk coordination/function, lower-limb spasticity, and balance in early recovery post-stroke.

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, prompting significant interest in rehabilitation. Despite existing recommendations and clinical guidelines, the current state of stroke rehabilitation practices in Catalonia remains unclear. This study aims to identify physiotherapists' main approaches for stroke survivors in Catalonia across recovery stages. Methods: An observational study was conducted via an anonymous survey distributed among all the registered members of the College of Physiotherapists of Catalonia (CPC). A total of 118 physiotherapists from both the public and private sector participated. The study collected data on therapists' experience, preferred therapeutic modalities, user demographics, and work settings. The data was collected from January to March, 2023. Results: The survey on stroke rehabilitation approaches showed that 57.60% of participants use a mix of methods (Basal Stimulation, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), neurodevelopmental or neurocognitive therapy) tailored to individuals or stroke stages, regardless of the work setting. Regarding the techniques, the most used were passive mobilization, stretching, task-oriented approaches, motor imagery, intensive therapy, mirror therapy, and balance training. In contrast, electrotherapy, music therapy, mindfulness, and advanced technologies were the least used. Conclusions: Physiotherapists did not rely on a single technique or approach; instead, they combined various methods. Therefore, we are unable to definitively determine what constitutes conventional physiotherapy. Considering this ambiguity, it is recommended to explicitly identify the techniques and methods used during conventional physical therapy in all scientific studies. Clinical Trial Registration: No: NCT05546840. 15 September 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05546840?cond=NCT05546840&rank.

Background Several studies have reported the effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on functional ambulation in stroke patients, yet a systematic overview is currently lacking. This study aims to summarize and evaluate the available evidence about the efficacy of RAS for functional ambulation, consider the use of walking assistive devices during the assessment or the intervention in stroke patients, and to find out if the effect of RAS and music-based RAS differs depending on the stroke brain site and affected area. Methods The Pubmed, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus and CINAHL electronic databases were searched for reports evaluating the effect of RAS on walking in stroke patients. Results Nineteen articles were included (916 stroke survivors). Most studies were of good methodological quality according to the PEDro scale, but they had a high risk of bias. The most consistent finding was that RAS improves walking and balance parameters in stroke patients in all phases compared to baseline and versus control groups with conventional treatment. Functional ambulation and the use of walking assistive devices were inconsistently reported. Several studies also suggest that RAS may are as good as other complementary therapies (horse-riding and visual cueing). Conclusions Despite the beneficial effects of RAS, the question remains as to whether it is better than other complementary therapies. Given the heterogeneity of the interventions, the interventions in control groups, the varied durations, and the different outcome measures, we suggest that care should be taken in interpreting and generalizing findings. PROSPERO registration number : CRD42021277940