Which is an effect of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) on stroke patients?

Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) is a therapeutic technique used in the rehabilitation of stroke patients that focuses on the use of rhythmic auditory cues to facilitate movement patterns. One of the primary effects of RAS is the enhancement of gait stability and coordination. This is accomplished through the external rhythm provided by auditory cues, which helps patients synchronize their movements and improve the timing of their gait cycle.

Decreased gait variability is particularly beneficial, as high variability can indicate instability and an increased risk of falls. By using RAS, clinicians can help stroke patients achieve a more consistent and predictable gait pattern, which contributes to improved mobility and safety.

While factors like fatigue might be relevant in a therapy context, RAS specifically aims to support movement rather than detract from it. Reduced stride length and cadence are typically not desired outcomes of therapy and would not be the goal when employing RAS. Similarly, while cognitive improvements can be a byproduct of rehabilitation efforts, RAS primarily targets physical movement rather than cognitive function alone. Therefore, decreased gait variability represents a direct outcome of using rhythmic auditory stimulation with stroke patients, making it the most accurate choice in this context.