Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Range of Motion in Post- Fracture Rehabilitation of Lower Limb

Effects of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation on Pain and Range of Motion in Children With Post- Fracture Rehabilitation of Lower Limb

This study aims to investigate the effects of rhythmic auditory stimulation on pain levels and range of motion in children undergoing post-fracture rehabilitation of the lower limb. It seeks to determine whether incorporating rhythmic auditory cues can help reduce pain and improve joint mobility during the recovery process.

Study Overview

• Status: Recruiting
• Conditions: Fracture of Lower Limb
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation

Detailed Description

Despite notable advancements in pediatric orthopedic rehabilitation, effective pain management and the restoration of functional range of motion continue to present significant challenges for children recovering from lower limb fractures. Traditional physiotherapy interventions largely emphasize manual therapy and structured exercise programs, often supplemented with pharmacological pain management. However, reliance on medications may lead to potential side effects and can negatively impact treatment adherence, particularly in pediatric populations. As a result, there is increasing interest in non-pharmacological approaches that can enhance rehabilitation outcomes while minimizing risks.

One such approach, Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS), has demonstrated considerable effectiveness in neurorehabilitation settings, including in conditions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral palsy. In these populations, RAS has been shown to improve motor coordination, regulate gait patterns, and positively influence pain perception through the use of rhythmic cues. Despite these promising outcomes, there remains a clear gap in the literature regarding the application of RAS within pediatric orthopedic rehabilitation, especially for children recovering from fractures.

Exploring the role of RAS in this specific context could provide valuable insights into its potential as an adjunct to conventional therapy. Integrating rhythmic auditory cues into rehabilitation programs may not only support improved physical outcomes, such as enhanced joint mobility and reduced pain, but also contribute to better emotional engagement and overall patient experience. Addressing this gap is essential for advancing evidence-based practice, expanding the use of innovative therapeutic techniques, and ultimately improving the quality of care and satisfaction for pediatric patients and their families.

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Estimated): 17
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

• Study Contact: Name: Imran Amjad, Phd; Phone Number: 03324390125; Email: imran.amjad@riphah.edu.pk
• Study Contact Backup: Name: Muhammad Asif Javed, PhD*; Phone Number: +923224209422; Email: a.javed@riphah.edu.pk

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Punjab Province
    • Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 54000
      • Recruiting
      • CLC
      • Contact: MUBASHRA JABBAR; Phone Number: 03291391075
      • Contact: Javeria khan; Phone Number: 03041862547

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age range typically 5 to18 years
• Closed lower limb fracture (tibia, fibula, femur, ankle) treated non-surgically with immobilization (e.g., cast, splint, brace)
• Patients in rehabilitation stage (not immediate post-op trauma care)
• Sub-acute or post-casting phase where active ROM and gait training are clinically indicated
• Post-Fracture Stage: Within 4-6 weeks post-fracture
• Ability to Participate
• Able to follow instructions and participate in RAS sessions
• Medically stable and cleared for physical therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute emergency management studies
• Presence of multiple fractures or other significant injuries.
• Known hearing impairments that may affect response to auditory stimulation.
• Presence of cognitive or neurological impairments that may affect participation.
• Pre-existing chronic pain conditions that may confound pain assessments.
• Recent surgeries or medical conditions that may contraindicate physical therapy or RAS.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Treatment
• Allocation: N/A
• Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

1

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation; The intervention involves applying Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) through structured rhythmic cues or music during rehabilitation sessions alongside standard physiotherapy for children with lower limb fractures. These rhythmic cues are synchronized with movement exercises to help with pain perception and joint range of motion during recovery.	Other: Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation; The intervention involves applying Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS) through structured rhythmic cues or music during rehabilitation sessions alongside standard physiotherapy for children with lower limb fractures. These rhythmic cues are synchronized with movement exercises to help reduce pain perception and enhance joint range of motion during recovery.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Pain in lowerlimb	changes from baseline in Pain will be assessed to determine the effectiveness of rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) during post-fracture rehabilitation in children with lower limb injuries. Measurements will be taken before and after the intervention using an appropriate pediatric pain scale to evaluate any reduction in pain levels associated with the incorporation of rhythmic auditory cues alongside standard physiotherapy.	3 months
Range of Motion	changes from baseline in Range of motion (ROM) refers to the degree of movement achieved at the affected lower limb joint during post-fracture rehabilitation. It will be measured before and after the intervention to assess improvements in joint mobility following the application of Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation in combination with standard physiotherapy.	3 months

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Riphah International University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Jawad Ahmed, MS PPT, Riphah International University

Publications and helpful links

General Publications

• Liu H, Wang H, Shao B, Lu H, Zhang S, Ou L, Chen Y, Xiang L. Epidemiological evaluation of traumatic lower limb fractures in children: Variation with age, gender, time, and etiology. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Sep;98(38):e17123. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017123.

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): April 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 5, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 5, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): May 12, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 12, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 5, 2026
• Last Verified: May 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: Pain; Range of Motion; Auditory Stimulation; Post- Fracture Rehabilitation; Rehabilitation of Lower Limb
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Neurologic Manifestations; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Signs and Symptoms; Pain
• Other Study ID Numbers: Riphah/G-III/RCR&AHS/B45-208

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No