Dissonance in Music Impairs Spatial Gait Parameters in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease

Background: It is known that music influences gait parameters in Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, it remains unclear whether this effect merely due to temporal aspects of (rhythm and tempo) or other musical parameters. Objective: To examine the influence pleasant unpleasant on spatiotemporal PD, while controlling for rhythmic signal. Methods: We measured 18 patients suffering from mild PD (50%men, mean±SD age 64±6 years; mean duration 6±5 Unified Rating scale [UPDRS] motor score 15±7) who listened eight different pieces music. Music varied harmonic consonance/dissonance create experience pleasant/unpleasant feelings. measure parameters, we used an established analysis gait, which consists a walkway containing pressure-receptive sensors (GAITRite®). Repeated measures analyses variance were evaluate effects auditory stimuli. In addition, linear regression was valence gait. Results: Sensory dissonance modulated spatial namely velocity stride length, (cadence, swing duration) not affected. contrast, as perceived by associated with Motor abilities did relevantly modulation Conclusion: Our observations suggest dissonant negatively affects particularly yet unknown mechanisms, but putatively through increased cognitive interference reducing attention cueing.