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Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation for Gait and Brain Function in Alzheimer's Disease

This study is looking at how Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS), which uses a metronome, might help improve walking and brain function in people with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) or Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Researchers want to see if walking with a metronome can improve how different parts of the brain communicate (functional brain network connectivity), how steady a person's steps are (stride time variability), and how fast they walk (gait speed). You might be able to join if you are between 50 and 90 years old, can walk short distances without help, and can communicate with the researchers. The study plans to enroll 40 people. The current status of this study is unclear.

Study design
This is an interventional study planning to enroll 40 participants aged 50 to 90 years old. It will compare walking with and without Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (metronome).
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The primary outcomes are measured within a single session, comparing baseline (no RAS) to RAS-assisted walking.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07659964

Use of a Mobile Brain-Body Imaging Approach to Evaluate the Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Gait and Brain Function in Alzheimer's Disease

Recruiting
NAAges 50–90InterventionalTreatment
Boston University Charles River Campus
~40 participants
Updated 2026-08-13 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Metronome

At a glance

Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Functional brain network connectivity
Measured over within session: baseline (no RAS) and RAS-assisted walking
+2 more outcomes measured

Conditions

Alzheimer Disease (AD)
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Explore related trials

Alzheimer's DiseaseMild cognitive disorder

NCT07659964

Where you'd take part

This study runs at 1 site. They're the same protocol — you choose where, and that choice sets who your contact draft is addressed to.

  • Boston University Neuromotor Recovery Laboratory

    Boston, Massachusettsstudy coordinator listed

    Recruiting

Sites open and close at different times, so the status above is per site — it can differ from the study's overall status.

Study leadership

  • Louis N Awad, PT, DPT, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Boston University

Who to contact

Regina Sloutsky, PT, DPT, PhD
[email protected]
617-500-3645
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Community-dwelling
Capable of walking short community distances (approximately 10-15 minutes at a time) without assistance from another person or a device (such as a cane).
Able to communicate with researchers
Age 50-90 (inclusive)
Healthy -
No diagnosis of AD
AD population-

Exclusion

Presence of significant hearing impairment
Current orthopedic, neurologic or other medical condition that limits the ability to walk.

What this trial measures

  • Functional brain network connectivitywithin session: baseline (no RAS) and RAS-assisted walking

    Functional connectivity between the Dorsal Attention Network and Default Mode Network measured using fNIRS during walking.

  • Stride time variabilitywithin session: baseline (no RAS) and RAS-assisted walking

    Variability in stride timing measured using inertial measurement units during walking.

  • Gait speedwithin session: baseline (no RAS) and RAS-assisted walking

    Average walking speed measured in meters per second during overground walking.