EliScholar – A Digital Platform for Scholarly Publishing at Yale
Abstract
Ataxia, from Greek meaning, “lack of order,” is described as irregular movement and discoordination of body, gait, eyes, and speech. Ataxia is associated with cerebellar damage due to stroke and other cerebellar pathologies. Ataxia frequently results in functional impairment. Standard physical and occupational therapies in stroke rehabilitation facilitate motor recovery, especially within 90 days. However, many patients experience movement derangements beyond this time frame. Rhythmic auditory stimulation has been shown to be an effective intervention in chronic motor deficits like those observed after cerebellar stroke. Efficacy among patients with chronic stroke-induced ataxia is unexplored. This randomized control trial seeks to determine the benefit of rhythmic auditory stimulation over standard of care for rehabilitation of cerebellar stroke-induced ataxia. Patient progress will be assessed using validated disability and ataxia scales. It is projected that rhythmic auditory stimulation will improve ataxia and independence among patients with chronic disability post-cerebellar stroke, versus standard rehabilitation
