Effectiveness of rhythmic auditory cueing for gait rehabilitation in individuals with Parkinson's Disease: A literature review

Background: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by gait impairment, reduced functional mobility, and an increased risk of falls. Rhythmic auditory cueing (RAC) has emerged as a physiotherapy intervention aimed at improving gait performance by providing external rhythmic stimuli to facilitate movement.
Objective: To review the effectiveness of rhythmic auditory cueing for gait rehabilitation in individuals with Parkinson's disease, with particular emphasis on gait speed and gait velocity.
Methodology: This literature review was conducted using PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The search included articles published between January 2021 and May 2026 using keywords related to Parkinson's disease, rhythmic auditory cueing, rhythmic auditory stimulation, gait rehabilitation, gait speed, and gait velocity. Studies involving individuals with Parkinson's disease that evaluated rhythmic auditory cueing or rhythmic auditory stimulation and reported gait speed or gait velocity as outcome measures were included. Seven studies met the eligibility criteria and were analyzed.
Results: The included studies consistently demonstrated that rhythmic auditory cueing improved gait speed, gait velocity, stride length, cadence, and functional mobility in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Several studies also reported improvements in balance, walking efficiency, and motor performance. Although intervention protocols varied in cueing frequency, treatment duration, and assessment methods, the overall findings supported the effectiveness of rhythmic auditory cueing for gait rehabilitation.
Conclusion: Rhythmic auditory cueing is an effective physiotherapy intervention for improving gait rehabilitation in individuals with Parkinson's disease. The available evidence supports its incorporation into clinical rehabilitation programmes; however, further high-quality studies with standardized intervention protocols are recommended to strengthen the evidence base.