Interactive MetronomeTM at NeuroTherapeutics
Recent clinical studies are indicating that another auditory based intervention which is
quite different from all of the above listening techniques may also be effective with
individuals who experience difficulties with motor planning and sequencing and other
neural timing difficulties which underlie difficulties with learning, cognitive and social
skills. Occupational therapists have understood that motor planning and sequencing is a
key facet in the development of functional skills. They have traditionally addressed these
difficulties with sensory integrative techniques.
A new PC-based interactive version of the traditional music metronome is now being introduced
as a viable tool of the individuals with a broad variety of challenges. From existing
studies and clinical reports, the most promising areas of use include motor planning and
sequencing difficulties, rhythmicity and timing, primary motor control problems, language
and speech problems, learning difficulties, cognitive problems, and social and communicative
difficulties. Stanley I. Greenspan, a psychiatrist and clinical professor of psychiatry at
the George Washington University Medical School, is the Director of Research for the
Scientific Advisory Board of the Interactive Metronometm. He states that
'the ability to planning and sequencing action emerges early in the first year of life.
It is essential for adaptive motor development and language development.' He goes on to
state that 'it is essential complex social behavior involving a number of sequential steps,
such as sharing toys, complex greeting patterns. Or simply playing with others.' In a letter
to parents of children with special needs he states that 'the soon to be published research
using this tool strongly indicated new hope. The new method may enable children to improve
underlying processing abilities for motor planning and sequencing, strengthening their most
fundamental learning capabilities.' A program utilizing the Interactive Metronometm
entails 15 hour or treatment. The typical training schedule is 3 times a week. In the studies,
treatment protocol of less than 3 times a week were not shown to be as effective.
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