Did you know that tapping your fingers on your desk to the beat of your favorite song can have significant cognitive benefits? Rhythm is a natural aspect of the human experience; we are attuned to the rhythm of our mother’s heartbeat before we draw our first breath.
Musicians have long known the importance of rhythm training. Now that rhythm games are available to everyone with a digital device, the value extends beyond musical skill alone. Moreover, as scientists and innovators join forces to understand the impact of rhythm training on our health, numerous studies on the topic have been published in recent years.
Before we delve into the benefits of rhythm training and the science behind it, let's define rhythm training and how it’s practiced.
What is Rhythm Training?
Rhythm is everywhere: the monotonous ticking of a clock, the regular tap-tapping of our steps, and the flickering of a broken light.
If you've paid close attention, you may have noticed the rhythm in the previous paragraph.
Rhythm training is the intentional practice of identifying external rhythm and creating rhythm from your internal tone. Traditionally, rhythm training exercises involve clapping, tapping, or playing an instrument along with playback or a metronome to align and synchronize one’s actions with the beat.
Top 4 Health Benefits of Rhythm Training
Reading Fluency in Children
Rhythm training with a specialized gaming application (Coherence) has been shown to improve reading fluency in children aged 8–9. In this study, Mastermind researchers found that enhanced rhythmic timing ability is directly linked to improvements in reading and that rhythm training can potentially be used as a targeted tool to improve reading skills.
The underlying connection between rhythm in music and rhythm in language is crucial in developing language-related tasks, as both involve processing patterns and sequences. Specifically, the training targets the cognitive mechanisms that enable two functions:
- Phonological Awareness: Rhythmic timing helps in segmenting syllables and sounds in words.
- Syntactic Structure: Understanding the rhythm of speech patterns can aid in reading comprehension.
(Screenshot of Coherence)
Enhanced Short-Term Memory
In another study conducted by MasterMind researchers, we found that rhythm training has the potential to enhance short-term memory. The participants, who were not musically trained, underwent rhythmicity training over eight weeks. After the training concluded, the participants showed significant improvement in face recognition tasks compared to the control group.
Measuring the brain activity of the study participants with electroencephalography revealed increased activity in the area of the brain in charge of memory manipulation. This suggests that rhythm training is an effective method of training memory-related brain functions.
Mitigated Age-Related Cognitive Decline
Maintaining mental sharpness and physical health is a high priority for older adults who wish to live independent and fulfilling lives. Incorporating rhythm training into your routine can nourish your brain, strengthen your body, and potentially delay the cognitive decline associated with aging.
According to studies, rhythmic training for older adults can:
- Boost Brain Health and Cognitive Function - Rhythm training challenges the brain to coordinate timing, movement, and attention, keeping you active and agile. Studies show that rhythm training can improve memory, focus, and executive functions while helping delay age-related cognitive decline.
- Improve Physical Health and Coordination - Hand-eye coordination, motor control, balance, and mobility are integral to rhythm training and benefit heart health.
- Lift Mood and Reduce Stress - Group activities like drumming circles help build relationships while providing stress relief, along with the other benefits of rhythm training.
Improved Athletic Performance
Rhythm training involves moving your body with the sound of a beat. This can entail activities such as clapping, stepping to a steady rhythm, or interacting with a musical instrument. But it does more than just strengthen the specific muscles used to produce a rhythm.
A study on the benefits of rhythm training for young swimmers aged 8 to 12 shows that it improves their sense of timing and coordination. The study found that rhythm training can help develop foundational motor skills during critical growth periods (ages 7–12) and enhance physical adaptability and fluidity, potentially improving performance across all sports.
The study publishers emphasized that variety in exercise provides engaging and enjoyable training that fosters long-term athletic development. Coaches and trainers can incorporate rhythm training into youth programs, which is particularly beneficial the earlier you start.
In another study, researchers observed 30 university tennis players to see how rhythm training affected their skills. Both general and tennis-specific rhythm training helped players improve their rhythmic coordination and forehand consistency.
Science, Games, and Your Well-being
Rhythm training offers an engaging and accessible way for people of all ages to improve cognitive function, motor skills, and overall well-being. While starting a new training routine might seem daunting, transforming rhythm exercises into interactive and enjoyable challenges can make the process feel effortless and fun.
At Mastermind, our science-backed cognitive training program leverages rhythm-based activities to enhance athletic performance, cognitive longevity, and mental sharpness. Whether your goal is to boost focus, improve coordination, or maintain cognitive health, rhythm training delivers proven benefits that seamlessly fit into your daily life.