Regular Metronome, Fractal Metronome, and Music for Parkinson Gait

Are auditory cues associated with differences in walking patterns in people with Parkinson disease compared to healthy older adults?In this case-control study of 30 older adults, including 15 participants with Parkinson disease and 15 healthy controls, music was associated with faster walking speed, longer steps, and better arm movement, without worsening step timing compared with a standard metronome. Additionally, a fractal metronome was associated with more natural step timing patterns compared with no cue, while a regular metronome was associated with making these patterns worse.These findings suggest that music may be a better auditory cue for improving walking in people with Parkinson disease and in healthy older adults compared with a metronome; future studies should focus on identifying types of music that naturally support healthy rhythm patterns.

Corresponding Author: Kristen L. Sowalsky, DC, PhD, K. Sowalsky Consulting LLC, 1105 Centennial St, Bend, OR 97703 (kristen@ksowalskyconsulting.com).

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