The Influence of Activating and Relaxing Music on Velocity and Acceleration of Repetitive Finger Movements

Abstract

<p>It has recently been shown in healthy adults that the style of music can differentially affect the amplitude of movement while the rate of movement remains constant. However, there has been no research examining how other kinematic properties of movement, such as velocity and acceleration, change with style of music. The purpose of this proposal is to examine the velocity and acceleration of repetitive finger movements during different styles of music. Forty participants completed a finger tapping task in time with activating and relaxing music at two rates, 70 beats per minute and 140 beats per minute. Velocity and acceleration data was derived from position of the finger and compared across music conditions and movement rates. The results of this study will be presented and serve as the basis for exploring the use of music cues for improving movement performance in persons with Parkinson’s disease.</p>