User:StudentOfMusic/sandbox

=Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS)= Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation or RAS is a Neurologic music therapy tool in which audible, rhythmic cues are provided to clients in order to strengthen and improve intrinsic rhythmic functions, such as gait. Through entrainment, the process in which a person's internal rhythm syncs with an external source, RAS can provide a safe, effective treatment in rehabilitation of rhythmic biological movements. The rhythmic cues can be provided by a guitar, a metronome, or any other medium that can deliver accented beats in a manner that follows a prescribed tempo. These cues are most often in meters of 2/4 and 4/4.

Early research
From 1991-1993, the very first studies focusing on entrainment for physical rehabilitation took place. These studies, done by Michael H. Thaut, PhD and his colleagues, showed that subjects who were healthy as well as those with stroke could entrain to rhythmical and music input  These studies showed great success in areas such as velocity, cadence, stride symmetry, and stride length. It was thought that these result came due to priming the motor system with cues, allowing the brain to better plan and deliver motor actions. These observations led to future studies using auditory stimulation to assist those with strokes as well as Parkinson's disease (PD).

RAS and Parkinson's disease
More and more studies took place showing the power of auditory stimulation to positively effect change in gait. Statistically significant improvements were observed regarding mean gait velocity, cadence , and stride length. Positive results have also been seen in improving motor timing abilities as well as perceptual abilities. . Affecting a smaller percentage of patient's with PD and parkinsonism is another mobility issue known as FOG, or freeze of gait, and it's one of the most inhibiting. In this condition, all movement ceases, as though the person is stuck in place. RAS has been applied in this area as well and resulted in a large reduction of FOG episodes, increased velocity, and gait speed. As with any treatment option, results are not always positive, as some patients do not have the synchronization abilities to entrain to the given cues.