Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation is a neurologic technique used to facilitate the rehabilitation of movements that are intrinsically biologically rhythmical, most importantly gait. RAS uses the physiological effects of auditory rhythm on the motor system to improve the control of movement in the rehabilitation of functional, stable and adaptive gait patterns in patients with significant gait deficits due to neurological impairment.
RAS can be used in two different ways: 1) as an immediate entrainment stimulus providing rhythmic cues during movement, and 2) as a facilitating stimulus for training in order to achieve more functional gait patterns.
Source: Thaut, M. H. (2005). Rhythm, Music and the Brain. New York and London: Taylor and Francis Group.
Big Sky Music Therapy 