Association of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation Combined with Body Weight Support Treadmill Training with Gait Symmetry and Balance Function in Patients with Post-Stroke Hemiplegia: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) combined with body weight support treadmill training (BWSTT) with gait symmetry and balance function in patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 110 patients with post-stroke hemiplegia admitted between January 2023 and January 2025. According to the treatment received under non-randomized allocation, patients were divided into the BWSTT-alone group ( n  = 55) and the RAS + BWSTT group ( n  = 55). Gait symmetry, balance function (Berg balance scale [BBS] and Fugl-Meyer assessment [FMA-LE]), and walking ability (10-m walk test [10MWT] and 6-min walk test [6MWT]) were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

After 8 weeks of treatment, the RAS + BWSTT group showed significantly higher step length symmetry index, cadence symmetry index, and double support phase time symmetry index compared with the BWSTT-alone group ( P < 0.05). BBS scores, FMA-LE scores, 10MWT speed, and 6MWT distance improved significantly in both groups, with the RAS + BWSTT group showing significantly greater improvement ( P < 0.05). However, the between-group differences for BBS (2.26 points) and FMA-LE (2.83 points) did not reach the established minimal clinically important difference (MCID) thresholds. No significant difference in adverse event incidence was observed between the groups ( P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

RAS combined with BWSTT was associated with significant improvements in gait symmetry and walking ability compared with BWSTT alone. For balance and lower limb motor function, although between-group differences were statistically significant, they did not meet MCID thresholds; therefore, their clinical significance requires further investigation. This combined approach may provide a reference for developing walking rehabilitation programs for patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.