Can my motor functions be altered by music?

Learning an instrument has the power to move us in many ways, and it can have a profound effect on our motor function. Motor function refers to the ability to control movement and is crucial for daily activities such as walking, reaching, and grasping. Research has shown that music can improve motor function in a variety of ways, from increasing coordination to improving balance and gait. In this blog post, we will explore some of the ways in which music can affect your motor function.

Firstly, music can improve coordination and timing. When we listen to music, we naturally want to move to the beat. This is because music has a strong rhythm, which can help to synchronise our movements. Research has shown that listening to music can improve motor coordination, especially in tasks that require precise timing. A study published in the Journal of Motor Behaviour in 2001 found that listening to music with a strong rhythmic structure improved the accuracy of tapping movements (1). Another study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences in 2009 found that listening to music with a fast tempo improved running performance in trained runners.

Secondly, music can improve balance and gait. Balance is the ability to maintain the body's centre of mass over its base of support, while gait refers to the way we walk. Both balance and gait can be affected by a variety of factors, including aging, neurological conditions, and injury. Music can help to improve balance and gait by providing a stable rhythm to move to and by providing auditory feedback. A study published in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy in 2011 found that music therapy improved balance and gait in patients with Parkinson's disease (3). Another study published in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy in 2018 found that a music-based intervention improved gait and balance in older adults.

Thirdly, music can improve fine motor skills. Fine motor skills refer to the ability to make precise movements with the hands and fingers, such as writing, drawing, or playing an instrument. Learning to play an instrument can improve fine motor skills by requiring the hands and fingers to make complex movements. A study published in the journal Psychology of Music in 2005 found that children who received music lessons had better fine motor skills than those who did not (5). Playing an instrument may also help to improve hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness, which are important for a variety of motor tasks.

It has been proven that music can improve mood and motivation, which can in turn improve motor function. Research has shown that listening to music can improve mood by increasing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is associated with pleasure and reward. This can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve motor function. Additionally, music can improve motivation by providing a positive and enjoyable experience. This can lead to increased effort and persistence in motor tasks. A study published in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology in 2011 found that listening to music during exercise improved mood and motivation in college students.