Assessment

The interactive Metronome objectively measures an individual's timing, rhythm, coordination, and capacity to plan actions. Based on this measurement, timing deficiencies and challenges in planning actions such as those commonly found in people with ADHD, poor coordination and other learning challenges can be identified. This measurement has been shown to correlate to academic performance and the ability to pay attention.

Training

The Interactive Metronome (IM) uses a patented auditory guidance system to systematically exercise and thereby improve a person's timing and capacity to plan actions. The IM enables improvements to be clearly measured and it progressively challenges the trainee to enable continuing progress. The standard protocol includes 15 one-hour training sessions performed 3-5 times/week where the trainee performs a series of physical exercises guided by the computerized metronome program.

Research Base

The research completed on the Interactive Metronome indicates that it is a reliable assessment and training tool for key cognitive capacities - motor planning, timing and sequencing. Key research studies include:

Study on Effects on Children with ADHD

In this clinical trial study, boys with ADHD, who were IM trained, were compared to a control group receiving no intervention and a second control group receiving a placebo computer-based intervention. Those who received IM training showed statistically significant improvements in attention/focus, motor control/coordination, reading skills, language processing and their ability to regulate aggression. (Published in the peer-reviewed American Journal of Occupational Therapy, March/April 2001).

Academic Performance

A white paper was recently released that showed a strong relationship between IM score and Academic Performance. Using data from several research studies, IM scores were shown to track closely with academic tests within the California Achievement Test. The strongest correlations were found with vocabulary, reading, spelling, language, mathematics, science and social studies. It also showed that the IM score was related to the ability to pay attention.

The Interactive Metronome Training Program has been shown to improve: attention and focus, control of aggression and impulsivity, reading, language processing, coordination and strongly correlates to academics.