Musical stairs: the impact of audio feedback during stair-climbing physical therapies for children.
OBJECTIVE
Enhanced biofeedback during rehabilitation therapies has the potential to provide a therapeutic environment optimally designed for neuroplasticity. This study investigates the impact of audio feedback on the achievement of a targeted therapeutic goal, namely, use of reciprocal steps.


METHODS
Stair-climbing therapy sessions conducted with and without audio feedback were compared in a randomized AB/BA cross-over study design. Seventeen children, aged 4-7 years, with various diagnoses participated. Reports from the participants, therapists, and a blinded observer were collected to evaluate achievement of the therapeutic goal, motivation and enjoyment during the therapy sessions.


RESULTS
Audio feedback resulted in a 5.7% increase (p = 0.007) in reciprocal steps. Levels of participant enjoyment increased significantly (p = 0.031) and motivation was reported by child participants and therapists to be greater when audio feedback was provided.


CONCLUSIONS
These positive results indicate that audio feedback may influence the achievement of therapeutic goals and promote enjoyment and motivation in young patients engaged in rehabilitation therapies. This study lays the groundwork for future research to determine the long term effects of audio feedback on functional outcomes of therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Stair-climbing is an important mobility skill for promoting independence and activities of daily life and is a key component of rehabilitation therapies for physically disabled children. Provision of audio feedback during stair-climbing therapies for young children may increase their achievement of a targeted therapeutic goal (i.e., use of reciprocal steps). Children's motivation and enjoyment of the stair-climbing therapy was enhanced when audio feedback was provided.
Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital , Toronto, Ontario , Canada and.
Ajmal
A
Khan
Elaine
E
Biddiss
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D056228:Feedback, Sensory; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009146:Music; D057240:Patient Preference; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000523:psychology*; D016138:Walking
Biofeedback; enjoyment; motivation; motor rehabilitation; neuroplasticity