Stroke survivors could be helped in their rehabilitation by the beat of a metronome
Last updated 8/13/2010 11:27:06 AM
Stroke survivors could be helped in their rehabilitation by the beat of a metronome
Researchers are investigating whether a regular beat could help stroke survivors improve their walking and reduce the risk of a fall.
The new study by the Universities of Birmingham and Worcester has been launched to find out how the use of a metronome, a device used by musicians to keep to a beat, could aid stroke patients.
According to the Department of Health, every year approximately 110,000 people in England have a stroke, which is the single largest cause of adult disability. About 80% of people who have had a stroke suffer a degree of muscle weakness associated with one side, which could lead to an uneven walking pattern.
Dr Rachel Wright, Post Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham' s School of Psychology, said: "An uneven walk can lead to a greater risk of a fall, and once someone has suffered a fall they can be fearful of falling again. This can prevent people from participating in activities that they once enjoyed because they are so worried about falling over.
"Through this research we hope to look at how the use of a metronome can help to regulate a stroke patient's walk and help them to achieve symmetry."
Participants are analysed using the latest motion capture equipment to analyse how they walk before and after the introduction of a regular beat. It's a three-year project funded by The Stroke Association.
Dr Wright added: "We hope that the results will be used to design a home-based exercise programme which stroke survivors can use as part of their rehabilitation."
Stroke survivors are being sought to assist in the research. For more information call 01905 857523 or email r.wright.1@bham.ac.uk