Date of Award

4-2009

Degree Name

Master of Music

Department

Music

First Advisor

Edward A, Roth, M.M.

Second Advisor

Brian L. Wilson

Third Advisor

Ben J. Atchison

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Abstract

Gait parameters and synchronization capabilities were examined following a oneday experimental implementation of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) for adults with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Eight individuals (N=8) who had experienced severe TBI participated in this study. Participants ambulated four 10-yard trials across a plastic runner along a flat surface with paint applied to their shoes (via the footprint analysis gait assessment). Parameters including cadence, velocity, stride, step lengths, and symmetry were calculated through footprint and videotape analysis. All participants ambulated under the following conditions: baseline with no music, RAS at resonant frequency, RAS with a 10% frequency modulation increase, and removal of RAS.

Quantitative data were reported through raw scores as well as percentage change between trials. Results of quantitative data and gait analysis revealed that at least 7 out of 8 participants showed capacity to synchronize to an external rhythmic auditory cue for portions of a trial, respond to the frequency modulation, and/or reproduce a given frequency cue once rhythm was removed. Gait kinematics appeared optimal for most participants within the resonant frequency pass (trial 2), especially including decreases in asymmetry.

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