Dupage Health PT: Treatments-Interactive Metronome

Treatments: Interactive Metronome

The Interactive Metronome is an advanced brain-based treatment program designed to promote and enhance brain performance and recovery.

This is accomplished by using innovative neurosensory and neuromotor exercises developed to improve the brain's inherent ability to repair or remodel itself through a process called neuroplasticity.

The human brain's efficiency and performance depend on the seamless transition of neural signals from one area of the brain to another. Findings in a recent study, “Functional MRI Study of the Effects of IM on Auditory-Motor Processing Networks”, suggest that IM works by augmenting internal processing speed within the neural network. The key regions affected appear to include the cerebellum, prefrontal cortex, cingulate gyrus, and basal ganglia.

The IM program provides a structured, goal-oriented process that challenges the patient to synchronize a range of hand and foot exercises to a precise computer-generated reference tone heard through headphones. The patient attempts to match the rhythmic beat with repetitive motor actions. A patented audio or audio and visual guidance system provides immediate feedback measured in milliseconds, and a score is provided.

Over the course of the treatment, patients learn to focus and attend for longer periods of time; increase physical endurance and stamina; filter out internal and external distractions; improve ability to monitor mental and physical actions as they are occurring; and progressively improve performance.

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