What is Interactive Metronome (IM)?
Interactive Metronome is a unique assessment and training tool that challenges thinking and movement simultaneously. The IM program uses headphones, a computer screen, and a rhythmic beat to perform a variety of exercises while trying to stay on this beat. The brain is made up of many regions that are responsible for different functions, such as cognitive processing and physical movement. In order to complete daily tasks, each of these brain regions must “talk” to each other and be “in-sync.” The body and brain’s ability to communicate with one another is fundamental to walking without falling, staying focused at school, remembering the names of friends and family, and so much more!
Interactive Metronome is an evidence-based system that progresses through four phases. Each phase has specific goals and exercises that advance from using hands only to a more challenging mode for full body motions. While progressing through the four phases, your child will be able to choose from a wide variety of games that keep them motivated, engaged and challenged. These games coordinate with your child’s age and current abilities. Examples include: space invaders, picture boards, basketball, golf, soccer and many more!
The IM program is tailored to each child’s needs and length varies from 12-45 sessions, with each session lasting 15-45 minutes. As your child adjusts his or her performance to the reference tone and guide sounds in each session, their functional brain networks begin to communicate in a more efficient, rhythmic pattern. This allows your child to reach his or her full potential academically, socially and athletically.
IM trains the brain to plan, sequence and process information more effectively. Research highlights improvement in executive functioning, reading, fluency of speech, processing speed, attention, behavior, balance and coordination, and impulse control.
Children with a wide-variety of diagnoses have benefited from using Interactive Metronome:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- ADHD/ADD
- Learning Disabilities
- Speech & Language Delays
- Gross and Fine Motor Delays
- Neurological Conditions
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Developmental Delays
- Cerebral Palsy
- Academic Delays
If you would like to view case studies addressing the diagnoses above with the use of Interactive Metronome, click here.
At Carolina Therapy Connection, our licensed and board certified therapists are trained with the necessary skills to properly integrate and align IM training with your child’s specific needs and goals. By addressing cognitive processing and physical movement with IM alongside other functional therapy interventions, your child will see improvement in many areas that impact achievement and independence. Rather than having your child perform repetitive movements, our team uses a collaborative approach to incorporate IM into functional therapeutic activities. Using this approach, children are more likely to be engaged, complete functional movement patterns in a more precise and timely manner, and demonstrate achievement in their cognitive, communicative and physical goals.
If you have any further questions about Interactive Metronome, or how it may benefit your child, call our clinic today! We will gladly have a therapist speak with you regarding any questions or concerns.
