Rhythm and Reaching: The Influence of Rhythmic Auditory Cueing in a Goal-Directed Reaching Task With Adults Diagnosed With Cerebral Palsy

Abstract

Improvements in functional reaching directly support improvements in independence. The addition of auditory inputs (e.g., music, rhythmic counting) may improve goal-directed reaching for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). To effectively integrate auditory stimuli into adapted teaching and rehabilitation protocols, it is necessary to understand how auditory stimuli may enhance limb control. This study considered the influence of auditory stimuli during the planning or execution phases of goal-directed reaches. Adults (with CP = 10, without CP = 10) reached from a home switch to two targets. Three conditions were presented—no sound, sound before, and sound during—and three-dimensional movement trajectories were recorded. Reaction times were shorter for both groups in the sound before condition, while the group with CP also reached peak velocity relatively earlier in the sound before condition. The group with CP executed more consistent movements in both sound conditions. Sound presented before movement initiation improved both the planning and execution of reaching movements for adults with CP.

Optimizing Movement Performance with Altered Sensation: An Examination of Multisensory Inputs

“…Experiment 2 added augmented auditory feedback upon target acquisition. When auditory feedback was present then participants updated how they planned their movements (as seen through changes in RT, with a lack of any changes taPV) [ 23 , 37 ]. Changes in the time needed to initiate the movement (RT) as well as to execute the initial movement impulse (ttPV) are evidence of more efficient movement planning.…”

“…Therefore, understanding how to facilitate performance when somatosensory input is disrupted has both theoretical and practical implications. A growing literature in both neurotypical and neurodiverse populations have provided evidence that augmented auditory feedback can facilitate movement performance [ 37 , 38 , 39 ]. When provided at or near target acquisition, augmented auditory likely works by providing confirmation to participants that they successfully acquired the target.…”