Auditory motion stimulation as an add-on therapeutical approach is feasible, enjoyable, and associated with a significant improvement of neglect outcome: A non-randomized, controlled group-matched study.

Abstract

Auditory motion stimulation is a promising new therapeutical approach for visual neglect, whereby patients listen to music which repeatedly moves from the ipsi - to the contralateral hemispace. In this study, we investigated the feasibility, enjoyability, and efficacy of auditory motion simulation in an inpatient neurorehabilitation setting. 30 patients with left-sided visual neglect due to a right-hemispheric subacute stroke participated in the study. 15 patients were included prospectively and received 45 minutes of auditory motion stimulation per day for three weeks in addition to best possible standard neglect therapy. 15 further patients - who were matched based on neglect severity at admission, time since stroke, rehabilitation duration, and age - received best possible standard neglect therapy alone and served as a control group. Feasibility was assessed using remote time tracking, whereas enjoyability was measured with the Flow State Scale for Rehabilitation Tasks (FSSRT). Efficacy was evaluated using video-oculography during free visual exploration (FVE) at admission, discharge, and after three months. Our findings indicate that auditory motion stimulation is feasible and enjoyed by patients. Auditory motion stimulation significantly improved visual neglect at discharge. Randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm that auditory motion stimulation represents a valuable add-on therapy for visual neglect.