Interactive Metronome – A Non-Medication Based Alternative for ADHD in Children

Many families are searching for ADHD treatments for their children that are not medication dependent.  Interactive Metronome is a good alternative treatment for many individuals with ADHD. Interactive Metronome, often referred to as IM, is an assessment and treatment tool used in therapy to improve the neurological processes of motor planning, sequencing and processing.   Improvement in these underlying skills lead to better ability to focus and attend to specific information.

IM provides a structured program, in a game-like format –  the goal being to teach the client to synchronize a range of hand and foot exercises to a precise computer-generated reference tone with the use of headphones. The client is challenged to match a rhythmic beat with repetitive motor actions. An auditory-visual guidance system provides immediate feedback measured in milliseconds, producing a score for the activity.

Outcomes of treatment may be increased:

• ability to focus and attend for longer periods of time
• Physical endurance and stamina
• Ability to filter out internal and external distractions
• Ability to monitor mental and physical actions as they are occurring
• Improvement in coordinated performance.

Treatment with IM is  typically best when done  a minimum of 3-4 times a week for a period of three months for children with ADHD.  Clients may experience improvement with limited weekly sessions, but it will take longer to see results.  The IM Home system was developed as an alternative to help families increase the number of weekly sessions without multiple visits to the Clinic.   Interactive Metronome makes permanent changes to the brain so continued treatment is not necessary after a client reaches their targeted goals (unless an individual has a disease like Parkinson’s).

Children enjoy Interactive Metronome treatment for the same reason they  like dance games for Wii, Playstation, or Xbox. With IM, they experience the combination of motion, sound and visuals in a fun way while addressing deficits in  coordination, timing and visual skills

Research is showing that Interactive Metronome can improve attention, coordination and the ability to process information more efficiently: each are each areas of struggle for children diagnosed with ADHD.  One such study targeting children diagnosed with ADHD, was completed by the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University.  This study showed a “significant pattern of improvement across 53 of 58 variables favoring Interactive Metronome treatment”.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11761130?dopt=Abstract

Speech & Occupational Therapy of North Texas has Certified IM providers in each of our clinics.  We also have an IM Home certified trainer for families interested in monitoring their child at home.  This is a good option for some families since a child can often do the treatment more frequently at home.  If you are interested in learning more about Interactive Metronome treatment for ADHD or IM Home,  call our office at 972-424-0148 and a certified IM therapist will be happy to speak with you.  View a video on Interactive Metronome therapy by visiting ___

More research for IM may be found at this link:

http://www.interactivemetronome.com/index.php/science/im-specific-research.html