None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to test a wearable auditory feedback system designed to help people with neurological conditions, such as stroke or Parkinson's disease, improve their walking. The device provides real-time sound cues during walking exercises, which guide participants in adjusting their steps and movement patterns. We hypothesise that using this auditory feedback system will improve key walking measures, such as stride length, walking speed, and balance, when compared to walking without feedback. The study will evaluate how well this system helps participants walk more steadily and confidently. Participants will take part in walking exercises on a treadmill, both with and without the feedback device, and we will measure improvements in their walking performance across different conditions. This study aims to provide insights into whether this system can be used as an effective tool in rehabilitation programs for those with walking difficulties due to neurological conditions.
Interventions
The intervention aims to evaluate whether Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) delivered through a wearable auditory feedback device can improve gait parameters in individuals with neurological-related mobility impairments. The essential elements of the intervention are grounded in the theory that auditory cues can stimulate rhythmic motor activity, potentially improving stride length, cadence, and walking stability.
Intervention Arm (Wearable Auditory Feedback System)
Wearable Auditory Feedback
The intervention aims to evaluate whether Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) delivered through a wearable auditory feedback device can improve gait parameters in individuals with neurological-related mobility impairments. The essential elements of the intervention are grounded in the theory that auditory cues can stimulate rhythmic motor activity, potentially improving stride length, cadence, and walking stability. Intervention Arm (Wearable Auditory Feedback System) Wearable Auditory Feedback System (Intervention Condition) The intervention uses Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS), delivered through a wearable auditory feedback device, to guide participants’ walking patterns and improve gait. The goal is to assess whether real-time auditory cues can help participants regulate stride length, cadence, and overall gait stability during treadmill walking. WHAT Materials: Wearable Auditory Feedback System: A mobile phone with an integrated gyroscope that collects real-time motion data from participants’ movements. The system is worn on the lower back (L4 region) using an adjustable belt. The device uses Bluetooth to provide auditory feedback through headphones or speakers. The feedback is based on participants' gait patterns and provides rhythmic cues to help them adjust their steps. Procedures: Participants will walk on the treadmill while wearing the auditory feedback device. The wearable device will provide RAS, designed to help participants regulate their gait in real time. The auditory cues will guide participants’ stride length and cadence. The treadmill speed will remain constant throughout the intervention, matching the speed used in the baseline condition. WHO PROVIDED The RMIT research team will oversee the intervention. All research staff will have appropriate training in operating the wearable device, monitoring participants, and ensuring safety during treadmill walking. The research team will also provide instructions to participants on the use of the wearable device and monitor their progress during the intervention. HOW The intervention will be delivered individually to each participant in an in-person session. Auditory feedback will be administered in real time through the wearable system, with ongoing monitoring by the research staff. WHERE The intervention will take place at Klint Clinic in a controlled, supervised environment. The necessary infrastructure, including the treadmill, wearable device, and safety harness, will be available at the clinic. WHEN and HOW MUCH The intervention will be delivered once per participant during the treadmill walking task. The duration of the intervention will be consistent with the baseline and post-intervention phases, with rest breaks provided as needed. TAILORING The treadmill speed will be personalized to each participant’s comfort level at the beginning of the session. The auditory feedback will be tailored to each participant’s walking pattern, with rhythmic cues designed to match their step cadence. MODIFICATIONS No significant modifications to the intervention are planned. However, adjustments to treadmill speed or rest periods may be made based on participant fatigue or discomfort. HOW WELL Planned: The research team will ensure adherence to the intervention protocol by monitoring participants throughout the task. Any deviations from the planned intervention (e.g., changes to treadmill speed) will be documented. Actual: Intervention fidelity will be assessed by reviewing the consistency of auditory feedback delivery and ensuring that all participants complete the walking task with the wearable system as planned.
Sponsors
RMIT University
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Intervention model
Crossover
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
Neurological Condition Impacting Gait: Participants must have a documented neurological condition that impacts their gait, such as stroke, Parkinson's Disease, or other neurological disorders that impair motor control and balance. Recovery Phase: Participants should be in the recovery phase of their condition, actively undergoing or having completed rehabilitation aimed at improving gait and mobility. Ability to Walk Independently: Participants must be able to walk independently for short distances, either unassisted or with minimal assistance, and must be physically capable of walking on a treadmill for the duration of the study. Age Range: Participants should be adults aged 18 years and older. There is no upper age limit, provided the participant meets other eligibility criteria. Ability to Consent: Participants must have sufficient cognitive ability to understand the study and provide informed consent, either independently or with the assistance of a caregiver or family member. Stable Medical Condition: Participants must have a medically stable condition, with no major recent hospitalisations or interventions (e.g., surgery or hospitalisation within the last 3 months) that would preclude participation in physical rehabilitation activities. Willingness to Participate: Participants must be willing to participate in all study sessions, including wearing the auditory feedback device, walking on the treadmill, and completing all assessments and surveys.
Exclusion criteria
Severe Neurological or Musculoskeletal Impairments: Individuals with severe neurological impairments that prevent independent walking, such as advanced-stage Parkinson’s Disease or severe post-stroke impairments, will be excluded. This includes participants who rely on full assistance for walking or have significant mobility limitations that cannot be addressed with treadmill walking. Recent Surgery or Lower Limb Injuries: Participants who have undergone major lower limb surgery or experienced a significant lower limb injury (e.g., fractures, ligament tears) in the past three months will be excluded due to the risk of exacerbating their condition during treadmill walking. Cognitive Impairment Affecting Compliance: Individuals with severe cognitive impairments (e.g., advanced dementia or significant memory disorders) that affect their ability to understand instructions, comply with the study protocol, or provide informed consent will not be eligible.
Outcome results
None listed