MTRB is back from winter break and ready to share some of the latest research in music therapy. Lets begin with a study on Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation for persons who have Multiple Sclerosis…
Conklyn et al. (2010) investigated differences in gait parameters of 10 persons with MS (absent of exacerbation for 30 days). They utilized GAITRite, a computerized program that measures gait via a mat with embedded sensors, to look at parameters including double support time, stride length, cadence, and velocity. Other measures included level of spasticity, muscles strength, pain, and satisfaction of treatment.
Participants were randomly assigned to the treatment group (began RAS right away) or the control group (no treatment for two weeks, then RAS for final two weeks). The intervention was completed in a home-based program where the patients utilized a pre-programmed MP3 player for their RAS regiment. Measurements were taken at Baseline, end of weeks 1 – 3, and at two weeks following treatment.
Between group measures indicated that double-support time improved for the treatment group. Pooled within group measures (meaning both groups) indicated that gait parameters significantly improved after one week of treatment. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the program.
This study is a nice example of a pilot study, of which the purpose is to see if there is feasibility for a larger-scale study. The researchers clearly explain the treatment protocol and measures, allowing for the study to be replicated by interested parties. Some issues with the study: I was unclear as to why they did not take measurements at the end of week 4, as this disallowed a two-week RAS trial comparison for the control group vs. treatment group (at week 4). Other issues include a potential for bias (no blinding of treatment vs. control group), small sample size, and limited representation of persons with MS; all of which are addressed in the discussion.
Reference:
We were also unclear as to why/how we had failed to schedule visits for our subjects at the end of week 4, although in hindsight we likely counted the first visit as week 1 and not week 0. We discovered this omission after we had already enrolled the first 5 subjects, too late to change the protocol. A very unfortunate occurance but one we have remedied in our current follow-up study.
Awesome. I have a few clients with MS and would love to be able to utilize RAS.
Score for researcher comment!
Yeah, Dwyer. It’s exciting seeing some of the work you are doing.