Music and Movement: Towards a Translational Approach

S. Dalla Bella

Journal

Neurophysiologie Clinique / Clinical Neurophysiology

Year

2018

Abstract

Rhythmic abilities are highly widespread in the general population. Most people can extract the regular beat of music, and align their movements with it. The aim of a translational approach for music and movement is to build on current fundamental research and theories of beat perception and synchronization to devise music-based interventions, which are informed by theory. To illustrate this approach, Parkinson's disease is taken as a model, with a focus on the positive effects of rhythmic auditory cueing on walking. In Parkinson's disease, a relation is found between the success of this music-based intervention and individual differences in rhythmic abilities. Patients with relatively spared rhythmic abilities are the most likely to benefit from cueing. Moreover, rhythmic auditory cueing can be optimized by using mobile technologies (tablets and smartphones), in the form of dedicated apps or serious games. A similar translational approach to the study of music, rhythm, and movement can be extended to remediation of cognitive, speech and language functions in other patient populations, such as children and adults with neurodevelopemental disorders.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Cognitive Abilities; Mobility; Music in Combination with Other Techniques; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Parkinson's Disease; Receptive Music Methods

Indexed Terms

Movement; Acoustic Stimulation; Ageing; Auditory Perception; Brain; Cues; Gait; Movement; Parkinson Disease; Parkinson's disease; Rhythm; Synchronization; Therapy; Translational Research, Biomedical

Study Type

Editorial, Opinions, Position Papers

Document Type

Article

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