Oct 19, 2008 11:26 pm US/Central
Rhythm Of Rehabilitation: Using Metronome To Heal
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (WCCO) ―
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A big part of David's therapy after a car accident is playing games that are tied into an Interactive Metronome on a computer.
CBS
Say metronome and most people picture a child at piano lesson with the "tick-tock" of a metronome keeping time. But, add some high-tech equipment and the brains of a computer, and the time keeper becomes therapy.
David Juel is in the running to become a National Merit Scholar, the kind of teen more likely to be studying than playing video games. Except back in April, David wrecked his car. He spent three months in the hospital and now has one goal.
"Being able to do all the things I used to do. I'm still not able to drive," said David, who suffered a brain injury.
A big part of David's therapy is playing games that are tied into an Interactive Metronome on a computer. David needs to anticipate the rhythm and time his tapping to the tones. His scores are steadily improving.
"Not only are they improving on the program, they're also improving with their ability for walking more smoothly or getting themselves dressed faster and those types of things too," said Sue Sandahl, an occupational therapist at Courage Center.
Courage Center in Golden Valley, Minn. is using an Interactive Metronome to help patients recover from strokes and brain injuries.
David is a gifted cellist. His mother LeAnn said playing music was another part of his life the accident took away.
But the Courage Center team adapted the Interactive Metronome, even fashioning a cello neck piece with sensors to help David rebuild his coordination and hand strength. His mother said there's no doubt it has accelerated his progress.
"Any of these exercises just gives him a little more confidence to move his body smoother and just reconnect those connections in the brain. It's just really remarkable," LeAnn said.
While Courage Center has used this predominantly with clients who've had brain injuries, they've also found success working with children who have autism, children who have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and those with coordination issues.
"And we're finding out that that really affects things like language, like attention and focus. Like, your motor control. If I throw a ball to you, do you know how to catch it?" said Leeann Mateffey-Horn with Courage Center.
Courage Center said the Interactive Metronome is a great way to beat the boredom of therapy's essential repetitions, as the therapist helps a patient retrain their brain.
"So, if one part is damaged the brain will learn how to use another part to re-wire. But you need a lot of repetition, a lot of practice at home to reinforce the skills that were using here," said Mateffey-Horn.
Insurance generally pays for the Interactive Metronome therapy. For more information on the therapy at Courage Center click on the link below.
Courage Center: Interactive Metronome
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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