Interactive Metronome (IM)
Guest Author, Melody M, MS, OTR/L
Watching your child grow and their skills become more fine-tuned is an exciting time! They go from placing cubes into a shape sorter to completing mathematical equations in school and playing soccer in the yard. Wow, isn’t development exciting?! Isn’t the wiring in our brain so fascinating?!
As children reach grade school, the processing speed becomes highly efficient. However, sometimes the areas of the brain that work together to process information take longer to become precise and efficient. This may be due to slower processing speeds, difficulty with organizing thought patterns, motor coordination, or cognitive endurance.
Interactive Metronome (IM) is an evidence-based intervention tool used to improve neurological timing and synchronization of neural networks. In other words, IM helps the connections of the brain to work more efficiently together, improving the efficiency of executive functions and working memory. By improving efficiency in executive functions and working memory, cognitive processing for learning.
How does IM work?
Interactive metronome is a computerized software program designed to improve timing, sequencing, and coordination by synchronizing continuous arm or foot movements to a rhythmical beat. The computerized tool provides immediate visual and auditory feedback to help the player make adjustments to improve their overall timing and coordination. The software includes movement sensor triggers and headphones that provide feedback to the program based on the player’s actions.
IM is a fun way to improve neurological timing to foster growth in academics, coordination, sports activities, posture, motor planning, and sensory processing.
Who benefits from IM?
IM has been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may have difficulties with sensory processing, auditory processing, motor coordination, impulsiveness, attention, timing, and executive functioning skills.
Specifically, IM has shown to be beneficial for adults and children with diagnosis ranging from autism spectrum disorder, traumatic brain injury, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, stroke and sensory processing disorder.
Below is a sample of IM in action:
Eyas Landing is a therapy clinic with a mission to provide evidence-based and family-centered therapy services for children, adolescents, and their families. The primary goal is to deliver relationship-based interventions within the most natural environments and to empower families to reach their full potential. To achieve this goal, our highly educated, compassionate staff dedicates time and expertise to create experiences that maximize therapeutic outcomes. The strength, determination, and perseverance of our clients are evident as they succeed in therapy, and ultimately in their daily lives.
Eyas Landing offers a wide range of comprehensive services including Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, ABA Therapy, Social Work, Family Therapy, and Neuropsych testing. Services are provided throughout the Chicagoland area via Telehealth, In-Home, and in our state of the art clinic.
Want to learn more or you have a specific question? Feel free to connect with us here!
