Interactive Metronome

One program that we offer here at CTC is called Interactive Metronome (IM). This is a therapeutic assessment and training program that has been shown to help with many areas including attention, coordination and motor planning, language processing and control of impulsivity and aggression. Many individuals both children and adults can benefit from interactive metronome.

IM is a structured program that continues to challenge the client to synchronize various body exercises to a beat that is generated on the computer system. The client will try to match the beat with repetitive movements such as clapping hands together, using both feet to step on a foot pad, etc. IM incorporates both auditory and visual stimuli to help the client match the beat.  The program increases in difficulty as the child progresses each session and as they improve in their motor planning and sequencing skills.

Here at CTC, interactive metronome is a program that is completed three times per week. Each session is one hour long. The program is 12-15 sessions long. Interactive metronome can be repeated after the first time the program is completed but it is recommended to wait about six months before doing a second time in the program.

If you would like more information, stop in at CTC and ask for a brochure on IM or check out their website at www.interactivemetronome.com!

Mission Impossible

For those rainy days this summer, here is a great activity for you to try at home with your kids! It is easy to make, all you need is a hallway, tape and yarn or ribbon! Then just tape the yarn from one wall to the other in different heights and angles. Tell your kids they need to get through the "mission impossible maze" without touching the yarn! You can make this activity harder or easier by how close you put the yarn to other yarn pieces, how long you make the maze or how high or low to the ground you put the yarn. This activity will work on coodination through the kids having to organize their body movements so that they do not touch the yarn with their legs, arms or body. This activity will also work on their visual skills, because they need to be able to determine where they are able to move through the maze in order to not hit the yarn and it will also work on their bilateral integration because they need to be able to use both sides of their body in a coordinated manner during the activity. Here are some pictures of one of our therpists and a child completing the mission impossible maze! 

Interactive Metronome

Interactive Metronome (IM) is an assessment and treatment tool used to help children with their neurological processes of motor planning, sequencing, and processing. The program provides a structured, goal-oriented process that challenges kids to synchronize a range of hand and foot exerices through a computer program. There is a reference tone provided via headphones and children attempt to match that tone with repetitive actions, including clapping their hands, tapping their feet, and a combinaton of the two. Feedback regarding their performance is provided via auditory and visual cues through the headphones and computer screen. The program is designed to be used for children at the development age of 6 years old and above.
Through this intervention approach, children have been noted to improve:

• motor skills
• attention and concentration
• cognitive speed
• executive functions
• language processing
• memory
• motor control and coordination
• phonological awareness
• reading and math fluency
• self-control of aggression/impulsivity
• sensory processing
• stuttering

If you child is demonstrating difficulties in the above areas and would be interested in learning more about Interactive Metronome, speak to your child's therapist!

http://www.interactivemetronome.com/