New research indicates that music therapy may aid children suffering from severe brain injuries to reach their goals of walking recovery. The study, published in the International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, suggests that rhythmic auditory stimulation could serve as an effective addition to standard physiotherapy by implementing rhythms to help patients maintain their stepping rate. The technique improves walking quality and movement coordination by establishing neurological connections between auditory prompts and physical movements. The researchers believe that the addition of rhythmic auditory stimulation to other interventions could improve the outcomes for the 350 children believed to sustain a severe acquired brain injury each year in the UK. The study’s authors recommend that the assessment of the quality of movement should be a crucial consideration in measuring functional gains in gait rehabilitation.
