Last Updated Nov 2012
The Interactive Metronome is a structured, goal-orientated process that challenges patients with certain disabilities to increase body movements through a process using a system called the Gait Mate. This adjunct occupational therapy is especially useful for those who have suffered from a spinal cord injury, stroke, brain injury, Muscular Dystrophy, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy and amputation, to name a few. The most important functions that are affected are the patient’s stride length, heel strike, gait stamina, weight shifting and quality of movement.
These advances are achieved by an audio and visual guidance system which provides immediate feedback measured in milliseconds. Since occupational therapists recognize that repetition is essential to improving the quality of movement, use of the Gait Mate provides the necessary repetition, while it also engages the patient with constant, real-time feedback about their performance. This allows them to adjust their motor functions in a much shorter duration of time than other current methods.
Although the system of the Interactive Metronome was originally designed from an occupational therapy perspective, it has gone on to prove that it strengthens concentration and attention spans, as well as endurance, strength and coordination.
Author Terri H. Ritchie, MS, CCN, is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist.
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