The Effect of Sensorimotor Synchronization on Gait Spatiotemporal Parameters in Women with Multiple Sclerosis

Although gait rehabilitation based on sensorimotor synchronization (auditory and visual) is stimulating for patients with neurological disorders and older people, there is little evidence in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Therefore, this study investigates the effect of synchronization with rhythmic visual stimulus on gait spatiotemporal parameters, bilateral symmetry, and locomotor rehabilitation index in women with MS.

Spatiotemporal parameters, bilateral symmetry and the locomotor rehabilitation index were obtained before and after 6 weeks (three times per week, 30 min each session) of locomotor training. We compared these findings between two groups of 10 patients, each with an expanded disability status scale (EDSS) of 3-6, who performed the gait training with or without rhythmic visual stimulus.

Time×group interaction effect indicated greater significant improvements in the group with rhythmic visual stimulus in self-selected walking speed (SSWS) (P=0.041), stride frequency (P=0.009), stance time (P=0.021), and locomotor rehabilitation index (P=0.036). Stride length, double stance, and swing time were improved in the group with rhythmic visual stimulus, but this change was not significant. Also, bilateral symmetry did not change significantly in the experimental group. Therefore, rhythmic visual stimulation can help improve functional mobility and locomotor rehabilitation index in patients with MS, especially due to the improvements in the temporal parameters of gait.

Therefore, synchronizing gait with a rhythmic visual stimulus can be an effective therapeutic strategy to improve gait and main temporal parameters in patients with MS.