Dynamic Auditory Cueing for Spatial Neglect in Stroke

Summary

Spatial neglect is a common condition after stroke and can make it difficult for people to pay attention to one side of space. This problem can negatively affect daily activities and functional independence. This study aims to evaluate whether dynamic auditory cueing for spatial neglect (DAC-SN) can improve spatial neglect in people with stroke. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives conventional rehabilitation, while the other group receives conventional rehabilitation combined with dynamic auditory cueing. Dynamic auditory cueing uses moving sounds to guide attention toward the affected side. The intervention is applied for about ten minutes per day, five days a week, for four weeks. Spatial neglect and functional outcomes are assessed using standardized clinical tests and scales at baseline and at predefined time points during and after the intervention. The results of this study may provide evidence for the use of auditory-based approaches in the rehabilitation of spatial neglect after stroke.

Conditions

• Stroke
• Perceptual Disorders
• Spatial Neglect
• Spatial Neglect After Stroke

Interventions

OTHER

Dynamic Auditory Cueing

The intervention consists of structured 10-minute sessions using digitized environmental sounds (e.g., animal sounds, moving vehicles, or sirens) as auditory cues. Dynamic auditory cueing for spatial neglect (DAC-SN) is applied using sounds presented with a dynamic spatial movement pattern across the horizontal plane. The auditory stimulus is designed to move from the intact hemispace toward the neglected hemispace or to follow a continuous scanning trajectory to guide attention toward the affected side. Stimuli are delivered through a stereo headset to ensure clear perception of directional movement. The intervention is administered in standardized sessions over a four-week period (5 sessions per week). This approach aims to promote active spatial attention and scanning behavior and differs from conventional static auditory stimulation.

OTHER

Conventional Rehabilitation

Participants receive standard stroke rehabilitation, including physical and occupational therapy focused on motor function, mobility, and activities of daily living. This group follows the same rehabilitation schedule as the experimental group but does not receive dynamic auditory cueing for spatial neglect (DAC-SN).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Gazi University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Gulcin Kaymak Karatas, MD · Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

• Elif E Kurtul, MD · Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-08-21

Primary Completion

2026-04-10

Completion

2026-04-10

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations