Strengthening Brain Function after TBI with Interactive Metronome Therapy
Individuals who have experienced concussions or TBI may suffer from a range of symptoms such as confusion, difficulty focusing, memory problems, anxiety, mood swings, and more. Interactive Metronome® (IM) training can help by providing neurological rehabilitation and strengthening the white matter that supports the communication of the brain's functional systems. This training has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the severity of symptoms associated with concussions and TBI.
The Benefits of Interactive Metronome Training for Language and Social Interaction in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects how a person processes information, and can impact attention, working memory, and speech and language development. Interactive Metronome® (IM) training is an effective therapy that improves internal timing and enhances neural communication. It helps individuals with ASD to process information better, improving language and social interaction.
How Interactive Metronome Can Help Slow the Progression of Memory Problems and Dementia
Memory problems and dementia are a common concern among older adults. Interactive Metronome® (IM) training can help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. IM training enhances neural networks and can aid in the recovery of lost functions, improving cognitive function, and reducing the severity of memory problems.
Staying Mentally Sharp as You Age: The Benefits of Interactive Metronome Training
Aging leads to a decline in cognitive function, particularly in processing speed due to the shrinking of the brain's white matter. Interactive Metronome® (IM) training is an effective tool for older adults to maintain brain health and stay mentally sharp. It can help reduce the risk of falls, improve mental function, and promote safe driving. IM works by enhancing the neural connections within the brain, improving cognitive processing speed, and attention.
What is the Interactive Metronome (IM)?
The Interactive Metronome is a research-based therapy that is combined with in-office neuro optometric rehabilitation or vision therapy that uses a specially designed computerized system to improve brain function and coordination. It works by using auditory and visual cues to guide patients in coordinating their movements with a metronome beat. This helps to improve the timing and coordination of brain signals, leading to enhanced cognitive and motor skills.
Who Can Benefit from Interactive Metronome?
IM training can benefit those with cognitive or neurological challenges. Often times patients who have had injuries such as concussions and strokes will experience post traumatic vision syndrome, affecting the communication between their brain, body, and eyes. Individuals with the following conditions have reported benefits from Interactive Metronome training:
- Sensory Integration Disorder
- ADD/ADHD
- Learning Disorders
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Developmental Coordination Disorder
- Sensory Processing Disorders
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Non-verbal Learning Disorder
- Concussions and traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- PTSD
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Stroke
- Parkinson's disease
Instructions for Using the Interactive Metronome System and Feedback
During in office therapy with a vision therapist, the patient will follow instructions specific to their individual diagnosis and progress.
Generally speaking the interactive metronome system is a tool designed to help individuals improve their rhythm and timing skills. The system provides a constant beat that is signaled by a cowbell-like sound, and users must synchronize their movements to this beat using a trigger on their hand.
Some examples of how the interactive metronome is used in therapy include:
Syncing with the Beat: Users should aim to synchronize their movements with the beat, rather than hearing the beat and then hitting the trigger. The movement users will perform is a clap.
Feedback: The system will provide feedback on the user's synchronization skills. A green square will appear in the middle if the user is in sync with the beat. If the user is early or ahead of the beat, yellow and red squares will appear.
Recording: The system will give users about five seconds before it starts recording their synchronization skills.
Anticipating the Beat: Users should anticipate the beat's speed and synchronize their movements accordingly. The motion users will perform is a circular one.
By following these instructions, users can use the system effectively and receive accurate feedback on their progress. A pre-, interim-, and post-assessment is conducted to aid in tracking your progress, and being able to see your progress can be very encouraging.
