Clapping in time parallels literacy and calls upon overlapping neural mechanisms in early readers

Abstract

The auditory system is extremely precise in processing the temporal information of perceptual events and using these cues to coordinate action. Synchronizing movement to a steady beat relies on this bidirectional connection between sensory and motor systems, and activates many of the auditory and cognitive processes used when reading. Here, we use Interactive Metronome, a clinical intervention technology requiring an individual to clap her hands in time with a steady beat, to investigate whether the links between literacy and synchronization skills, previously established in older children, are also evident in children who are learning to read. We tested 64 typically developing children (ages 5-7 years) on their synchronization abilities, neurophysiological responses to speech in noise, and literacy skills. We found that children who have lower variability in synchronizing have higher phase consistency, higher stability, and more accurate envelope encoding-all neurophysiological response components linked to language skills. Moreover, performing the same task with visual feedback reveals links with literacy skills, notably processing speed, phonological processing, word reading, spelling, morphology, and syntax. These results suggest that rhythm skills and literacy call on overlapping neural mechanisms, supporting the idea that rhythm training may boost literacy in part by engaging sensory-motor systems.

Are Temporal and Tonal Musical Skills Related to Phonological Awareness and Literacy Skills? – Evidence From Two Cross-Sectional Studies With Children From Different Age Groups

“…Thus, phonemic and phonological awareness might depend not only on the perceptual processing of temporal cues in speech but also on motor and automatization skills. Indeed, studies with children have reported relations between the ability to clap in time and phonological awareness (Bonacina et al, 2018) and articulatory skills and phoneme awareness (Carroll et al, 2003; Thomas and Senechal, 2004). Jansen (1992) found that the recognition of consonants was influenced both by reafference processing of articulatory motor functions and acoustic processing itself.…”

Poor Synchronization to Musical Beat Generalizes to Speech

“…In contrast, there are frequent reports of reverse associations between speech disorders and impaired musical rhythm [112,113,114,115,116]. Speech-related skills, such as phonological awareness and reading, are associated to variability in synchronization with a metronome beat [117,118,119]. Stutterers are also less consistent than control participants in synchronizing taps to a musical beat [120,121].…”

How Rhythmic Skills Relate and Develop in School-Age Children

“…For each, a conga drum, with a trigger to register drum hits, was used and practice trials were given. The clapping in time task was performed using the Interactive Metronome technology (for data collection details refer to Bonacina et al 26 ).…”

“…22-24 It has also been shown that performance on the task is linked to literacy and auditory processing—both at cortical and subcortical levels—in adolescents and young children. 25,26…”