The Science
Three-Level Hypothesized Explanation of the IM effect (McGrew, 2012)
Interactive Metronome® (IM) is believed to improve the resolution and efficiency of an individual’s internal brain clock(s) and temporal processing. In turn, it is hypothesized that this results in more efficient brain connectivity, communication, and synchronization via increased integrity of the brains white matter tract communication system, producing more efficient communication between critical brain networks. In particular, research and theory suggests that IM training increases the efficacy of the parietal-frontal brain network, the brain network most associated with general intellectual functioning, working memory, controlled attention and executive functions.
The primary conclusions from the detailed scientific explanation of the IM are:
- The diversity of performance domains positively impacted by IM technology is due to IM improving the function of crucial brain-based domain-general neurocognitive mechanisms.
- The precise, real-time IM millisecond feedback impacts the temporal processing resolution of the internal brain clock, which in turn improves neural efficiency—and thus, more efficient temporal and information processing in the brain.
- The IM effect appears to be the result of increased efficiency and synchronization of communication between the primary brain structures that comprise the functional brain networks involved in performing both the cognitive and motor demands of IM training.
- IM technology may be improving brain network communication, especially within the major brain networks at the core of the P-FIT (parietal-fontal integration) model of general intelligence. IM technology may be improving the efficiency of the parietal-frontal brain network which is critical to general intellectual functioning, working memory, controlled attention, and overall cognitive efficiency.
- One of the most important IM training outcomes (but not the only outcome) is improved focus via increased efficiency of the attentional control system (ACS) that maintains goal related information active in working memory in the presence of internal (mind wandering) and external distractions. Improvement in efficiency of executive functions and working memory results in more efficient complex cognitive processing and learning.
IM Specific Research & White Papers
Download all of the IM Specific Research in this booklet or select the individual papers to download below.
Download a full list of IM Research References.
Download a full list of IM Research References.
Mental Timing Research
The Importance of Timing in the Brain – Dr. Kevin McGrew
For more than 30 years, neuroscientists have explored the role of timing in the brain for such things as speech perception (auditory processing), speech production (intelligible articulation), language, reading, attention, memory, cognitive processing speed, decision-making, behavior (impulse-control), and motor coordination. Over the past 10-15 years, they’ve turned their focus toward studying how deficient neural communication (impaired timing in the brain) contributes to various clinical disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Parkinson’s. “Timing in the brain” remains a very active area of research with new studies being published regularly.
Peer-reviewed research supports the view that impaired timing in the brain contributes significantly to impairments in the above named skill areas. Research also supports the opinion that timing in the brain can be trained and improved through appropriate, targeted intervention. Each study referenced below contains commentary to help elucidate the connection between timing in the brain, its central role in various human abilities and disorders, and how the Interactive Metronome® may be of benefit. The studies referenced here were not conducted using the Interactive Metronome®.
the right kind of practice
and thus improve such
time-dependent skills as listening and reading comprehension. Interactive Metronome® (IM) is a unique,
patented program that has been shown in clinical research to improve mental timing through progressive,
engaging cognitive and motor exercises. Continuous, real-time feedback is provided so you will know each
step of the way how you are progressing! Studies show that by improving the brain’s timing with IM, auditory
processing and reading not only improve, but do so significantly and in a relatively short period of time
compared to other programs like phonics instruction.
time-dependent skills as listening and reading comprehension. Interactive Metronome® (IM) is a unique,
patented program that has been shown in clinical research to improve mental timing through progressive,
engaging cognitive and motor exercises. Continuous, real-time feedback is provided so you will know each
step of the way how you are progressing! Studies show that by improving the brain’s timing with IM, auditory
processing and reading not only improve, but do so significantly and in a relatively short period of time
compared to other programs like phonics instruction.
Breier, J.I., Fletcher, J.M., Foorman, B.R., Klaas, P., and Gray, L.C. (2003). Auditory Temporal Processing
in Children with Specific Reading Disability With and Without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
University of Texas, Houston. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 46, 31-42.
in Children with Specific Reading Disability With and Without Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
University of Texas, Houston. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 46, 31-42.
- Humans perceive time. We use this ability to predict what is coming, to think about how we will react, and
then to respond in a timely fashion. It is well-documented that children with ADHD have an impaired sense of
time. Areas of the brain that control our perception of time are affected in children with ADHD (i.e.,
working memory). In an article published in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, researchers
found that children with ADHD who also have a Reading Disorder have even more
difficulty with timing skills. Research has shown that Interactive Metronome®, a training
program that addresses the underlying problem with timing in the brain, improves symptoms of ADHD and
reading.
Toplak, M.E., Rucklidge, J.J., Hetherington, R., John, S.C.F., and Tannock, R. (2003). Time perception deficits
in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbid reading difficulties in child and adolescent
samples. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44(6), 888-903.
in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and comorbid reading difficulties in child and adolescent
samples. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 44(6), 888-903.
- Dr. Stanley Greenspan, a noted expert in autism and child development/disorders, and his team of researchers
conducted a study to see whether Interactive Metronome® (IM) was a beneficial treatment for children with
ADHD. They compared boys who received IM to boys who received either no treatment at all or boys who only
played video games to try to improve their ability to focus. They found that those children with ADHD who
received IM did far better than those that did not, with significant improvement in the
areas of attention, motor skills, language processing, reading, and self-control (i.e., less aggressive
behavior).
Shaffer R.J., Jacokes L.E., Cassily J.F., Greenspan S.I., Tuchman R.F., Stemmer P.J. Jr. (2001).
Effect of Interactive Metronome® on children with ADHD.
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55, 155–162.
Effect of Interactive Metronome® on children with ADHD.
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 55, 155–162.
Download a full list of IM Research References.
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If you or a loved one could benefit from interactive metronome, please call us today!
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