Rhythmic auditory-motor entrainment of gait patterns in adults with blindness or severe visual impairment
Abstract
The following study investigates the impact of a rhythmic cue on the observational
gait parameters of a population of adults with blindness or severe visual impairment. Forty-six
adults who had sight loss significant enough to require the use of a long cane for mobility
purposes participated in the study. Participants were between the ages of 18 - 70 years. The
study design was a within-subjects, repeated measures design with two levels for the
independent variable of the metronome (uncued versus cued) and two levels for the
independent variable of tempo (normal walk versus fast walk). Dependent variables of
cadence (steps per minute), velocity (meters per minute), and stride length
(cadence ÷ (velocity ⁄ 2)) were recorded. Within-subjects repeated measures statistical
analyses identified a main effect for the independent variable of the metronome; subsequent
analysis revealed that the metronome had a significant effect on the dependent variable of
cadence. The presence of a rhythmic cue seemed to improve observational gait parameters for
many of the study participants. A more in-depth investigation reveals the complex
interrelationship of gait parameters, as well as the need to differentiate between the clinical
importance of the study and the need for additional basic scientific research. While
compelling clinical inferences can be drawn from this study, there continues to be a need to
establish rhythmic auditory-motor entrainment as a sound theoretical framework upon which
further research and clinical protocol development for this sample population can be based.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- Review of Literature -- Methods -- Results -- Discussion -- Appendix A. Facility permission letter -- Appendix B. Participant solicitation script -- Appendix C. Narrative script
Degree
Ph.D.