Prof. Drew Smith Director MOTION ANALYSIS RESEARCH CENTER

19-yr old, female –166 cm, 52 kg –Former dancer Referred to MARC by Physical Therapist –Slight ‘abnormalities’ in gait

Near-normal gait kinematics and kinetics Re-assessment in 6-months After 2-months, PT requested urgent re-assessment: –Patient displayed hemiplegic gait patterns –Patient was less co-operative –Patient reported her parents were now “zombies”

Patient displayed partial paralysis on left side –Weakness of hip flexors and extensors –“Locked” knee –Significant loss of power from ankle muscles PT would work with patient –Referral to orthopaedic surgeon if no improvement

PT reported that upper limb involvement had occurred shortly after visit #2 Patient’s behavior was ‘unusual’ –Unable to communicate verbally –Had difficulty following simple instructions –Made PT feel ‘uncomfortable’

PT reported that music seemed to have a calming influence on patient –Schauer & Mauritz (2003) reported that musical motor feedback improved gait in stroke patients with hemiplegia –Trombetti et al. (2010) used music for gait, balance training, reducing falls risk in the elderly –Pacchetti et al. (2000) used active music therapy in Parkinson’s disease patients for both motor and emotional rehabilitation

Music did improve motor function of patient PT felt more comfortable working with patient when playing music Further follow-ups were planned: –Unfortunately, patient took a turn for the worse at the final visit to MARC Patient was given handbook to manage her condition