Interactive Metronome

Summer is a great time to undertake an Interactive Metronome® (IM) program for your child.  IM is a neuro-motor assessment & treatment tool used in therapy to improve the neurological processes of motor planning,sequencing, rhythm and timing. IM ‘trains the brain’ to plan, sequence and process information more effectively through repetition of interactive exercises.

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

The IM program has been shown to produce significant results in children and adults with a wide range of physical and cognitive difficulties including ADHD. The March/April 2001 issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy identified five core areas of statistically significant improvements gained through the IM training program:

• Attention and Focus
• Motor Control and Coordination
• Language Processing
• Reading and Math Fluency
• Ability to Regulate Aggression / Impulsivity

Ongoing studies continue to validate correlations between Interactive Metronome and academic achievement in mathematics, language, reading and attention to task. The IM program has also proven to be a powerful tool for improving both the physical and mental aspects of athletic and musical performance.  IM is useful not only with children (or adults) experiencing specific attention, learning or motor challenges, but also as a tool for improving skills in typically developing children. 

An occupational therapist on our national list serve shared this experience with Interactive Metronome: "I have had two students who had Interactive Metronome through a private occupational therapy clinic; both are first graders. The mother of the boy said it "turned her son's life around", and he is doing much better academically. The teacher of the girl is seeing academic improvement, as well as the ability to sit and focus for longer periods of time. I also work with a PT whose daughter was having difficulty with motor
skills, and struggling academically. She completed a course of IM and now works at grade level, and began ice skating during the winter."

While Emerge offers this program year-round, the summer is often the best time to do it, due to the program's intensity.  It is typically a 15 session program completed over the course of 5 weeks.  While it can sometimes be adapted for use with younger children, it is typically used with children aged 7 and above.  If you are interested in exploring Interactive Metronome as an option for your child, please call Michelle @ 489-7333.