Authors :
Paramita Biswas; Sourav Mitra; Samarth Gupta
Volume/Issue :
ICVDRS 2026
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/4wf26yxk
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/474x5txp
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1594
Abstract :
Background:
Gait disturbances, including reduced gait speed, shortened step length, increased variability, and freezing of gait, are
common and disabling features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). These impairments significantly affect functional mobility,
independence, and quality of life. External cueing strategies—particularly auditory, visual, and somatosensory cues—have
emerged as effective rehabilitation approaches to enhance gait performance by facilitating motor timing and attentional
control.
Objective:
This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of auditory, visual, and somatosensory
cueing strategies for improving gait parameters in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Methods:
A literature search was conducted across major electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and PEDro,
focusing on studies published that investigated the effects of external cueing on gait outcomes in individuals with PD. Key
outcomes analyzed included gait speed, stride length, cadence, gait variability, balance, and freezing of gait.
Results:
The reviewed evidence indicates that auditory cueing, particularly rhythmic auditory stimulation, consistently
improves gait speed, cadence, and stride length. Visual cueing strategies, such as floor markings and laser cues, have
demonstrated beneficial effects on step length and freezing of gait, especially in individuals with advanced disease.
Somatosensory cueing, including vibration-based and tactile feedback interventions, shows results in enhancing gait stability
and postural control. Multimodal cueing approaches appear to provide superior outcomes compared to single-modality
interventions.
Conclusion:
Auditory, visual, and somatosensory cueing strategies are effective, low-cost, and clinically feasible interventions for
improving gait performance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Future research should focus on standardized
protocols, long-term effects, and technology-assisted cueing interventions.
Keywords :
Parkinson’s Disease; External Cueing; Auditory Cueing; Visual Cueing; Somatosensory Cueing; Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation; Freezing of Gait; Neurorehabilitation.
Background:
Gait disturbances, including reduced gait speed, shortened step length, increased variability, and freezing of gait, are
common and disabling features of Parkinson’s disease (PD). These impairments significantly affect functional mobility,
independence, and quality of life. External cueing strategies—particularly auditory, visual, and somatosensory cues—have
emerged as effective rehabilitation approaches to enhance gait performance by facilitating motor timing and attentional
control.
Objective:
This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effectiveness of auditory, visual, and somatosensory
cueing strategies for improving gait parameters in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
Methods:
A literature search was conducted across major electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and PEDro,
focusing on studies published that investigated the effects of external cueing on gait outcomes in individuals with PD. Key
outcomes analyzed included gait speed, stride length, cadence, gait variability, balance, and freezing of gait.
Results:
The reviewed evidence indicates that auditory cueing, particularly rhythmic auditory stimulation, consistently
improves gait speed, cadence, and stride length. Visual cueing strategies, such as floor markings and laser cues, have
demonstrated beneficial effects on step length and freezing of gait, especially in individuals with advanced disease.
Somatosensory cueing, including vibration-based and tactile feedback interventions, shows results in enhancing gait stability
and postural control. Multimodal cueing approaches appear to provide superior outcomes compared to single-modality
interventions.
Conclusion:
Auditory, visual, and somatosensory cueing strategies are effective, low-cost, and clinically feasible interventions for
improving gait performance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Future research should focus on standardized
protocols, long-term effects, and technology-assisted cueing interventions.
Keywords :
Parkinson’s Disease; External Cueing; Auditory Cueing; Visual Cueing; Somatosensory Cueing; Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation; Freezing of Gait; Neurorehabilitation.
