The role of auditory information on perceptual-motor processes has gained increased interest in sports and psychology research in recent years. Numerous neurobiological and behavioral studies have demonstrated the close interaction between auditory and motor areas of the brain, and the importance of auditory information for movement execution, control, and learning. In applied research, artificially produced acoustic information and real-time auditory information have been implemented in sports and rehabilitation to improve motor performance in athletes, healthy individuals, and patients affected by neurological or movement disorders. However, this research is scattered both across time and scientific disciplines. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview about the interaction between movement and sound and review the current literature regarding the effect of natural movement sounds, movement sonification, and rhythmic auditory information in sports and motor rehabilitation. The focus here is threefold: firstly, we provide an overview of empirical studies using natural movement sounds and movement sonification in sports. Secondly, we review recent clinical and applied studies using rhythmic auditory information and sonification in rehabilitation, addressing in particular studies on Parkinson’s disease and stroke. Thirdly, we summarize current evidence regarding the cognitive mechanisms and neural correlates underlying the processing of auditory information during movement execution and its mental representation. The current state of knowledge here reviewed provides evidence of the feasibility and effectiveness of the application of auditory information to improve movement execution, control, and (re)learning in sports and motor rehabilitation. Findings also corroborate the critical role of auditory information in auditory-motor coupling during motor (re)learning and performance, suggesting that this area of clinical and applied research has a large potential that is yet to be fully explored.

An investigation of online acoustic information for elite rowers in on-water training conditions

Restoration of upper limb motor function and patient functional independence are crucial treatment targets in neurological rehabilitation. Growing evidence indicates that music-based intervention is a promising therapeutic approach for the restoration of upper extremity functional abilities in neurologic conditions such as cerebral palsy, stroke, and Parkinson’s Disease. In this context, music technology may be particularly useful to increase the availability and accessibility of music-based therapy and assist therapists in the implementation and assessment of targeted therapeutic goals. In the present study, we conducted a pre-clinical, single-arm trial to evaluate a novel music-based therapeutic device (SONATA) for upper limb extremity movement training. The device consists of a graphical user interface generated by a single-board computer displayed on a 32” touchscreen with built-in speakers controlled wirelessly by a computer tablet. The system includes two operational modes that allow users to play musical melodies on a virtual keyboard or draw figures/shapes whereby every action input results in controllable sensory feedback. Four motor tasks involving hand/finger movement were performed with 21 healthy individuals (13 males, aged 26.4 ± 3.5 years) to evaluate the device’s operational modes and main features. The results of the functional tests suggest that the device is a reliable system to present pre-defined sequences of audiovisual stimuli and shapes and to record response and movement data. This preliminary study also suggests that the device is feasible and adequate for use with healthy individuals. These findings open new avenues for future clinical research to further investigate the feasibility and usability of the SONATA as a tool for upper extremity motor function training in neurological rehabilitation. Directions for future clinical research are discussed.

Schaffert, N. & Mattes, K. (2014). Testing immediate and retention effects of acoustic feedback on the boat motion in high-performance rowing. J. Hum. Sport Exerc., 9(2), pp.616-628. Evidence exists, that rhythmic information, provided audibly, supports the timing of movement-execution subliminally. This study aimed to test immediate effects of acoustic feedback (AF) on mean boat speed during on-water rowing training with elite athletes in two squad-levels and to observe the retention of effects. 20 athletes (14 seniors, age 22.6 ± 1.6 years, body mass 93.1 ± 9.8 kg, body height 192.5 ± 3.3 cm; 6 juniors, age 17.5 ± 0.2 years, body mass 85.0 ± 7.4 kg, body height 189.3 ± 8.8 cm) of the German National Rowing Team in 8 boats (small and big boats) participated in the study. Boat acceleration and distance travelled were measured with Sofirow. The boat's acceleration-time trace was converted online into AF and presented to the athletes via speakers. Repeated measures within-subjects factorial ANOVA showed significantly increased mean boat speed with AF compared to baseline for both squad-levels (P < 0.01) as well as for the retention-test compared to pre-test (P < 0.01). Intra-cyclical analysis revealed significant changes in the acceleration-time traces. Athletes perceived AF as supportive for training, providing functional information about the boat-run, independently from vision. The concept was integrated into the final-preparation for the World Championships.