Researchers Use Music to Reduce Shuffling Gait in Parkinson’s Patients

At Boston University’s Center for Neurorehabilitation, a hub for Parkinson’s disease research, education, and clinical care, physical therapy researchers have made important advances in treatments for Parkinson's that may help improve walking ability in people who have the disease.

In one study, a music-based technology helped patients walk faster and farther, reducing Parkinsonian gait (including shuffling gait). Walking to the beat of music, using a technique called rhythmic auditory stimulation, increased gait speed and stride length, resulting in a more normalized gait pattern in patients with Parkinson's.
In this video, Terry Ellis and her team demonstrate how they use music and sensor technology in their research.

Video Chapters:
0:00 Living with symptoms and diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
0:48 Boxing physical therapy intervention for Parkinson's disease
1:43 Parkinson's walking problems and lack of automaticity
2:17 Researchers demonstrate music and sensor technology used to improve step pattern and reduce Parkinson's gait
3:56 Importance of Parkinson's disease research focused on helping people do practical things

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#parkinsonsdisease #physicaltherapy #parkinsonsresearch

[DrEdelPsychology]

Thank you for your research and applications. I wish music therapy were being used in every case.