Interactive Metronome Therapy, or IM, is a computer-based program, which uses auditory tone, and visually driven cues to promote rhythmic body movement. A large body of research indicates that the rhythmic movement, usually in the form of a hand tapping a trigger, targets four primary areas of the brain: the Dorso Lateral Prefontal Cortex, the Cerebellum, the Cingulate Gyrus, and the Basal Ganglia. These areas of the brain are, in turn, connected with other areas. Thus, a large portion of the brain is targeted. The precise action, which IM performs, is in promoting dendritic growth. Dentrites are responsible for carrying signals away from one nerve cell to another. The results of an increased dendritic formation are enormous. A large body of research, performed at numerous universities, including Walter Reed Medical Center, indicates that MRI and fMRI studies show increased neurological function in both pre-post studies of IM an studies performed while the subject is engaged in the use of IM.

Interactive Metronome is used in treating a large number of disabilities, including: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injury, Ach DHD, Cerebral Palsy, and Parkinson’s Disease. Harvard University has done many educationally based studies, which indicate that reading and math scores improve dramatically after 12 sessions of IM therapy. It is the belief of many researchers and clinicians, that IM should be a mandatory in the public education system.

Finally, because IM increases timing response, athletes reap great benefits from the use of IM. The Miami Dolphins and Notre Dame football teams use IM, as do the Miami Heat basketball team as well as many professional golfers, including Masters Champion, Vijay Singh.

If you would like to learn more about Interactive Metronome, please visit www.interactivemetronome.com.

Please feel free to contact me for more information at: 207-450-1849.

Suzanne V. Sylvester, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech and Language Pathologist