About this Research Topic
The evolution of the human central nervous system was scaffolded around biological rhythm. From the heart beat to the cyclic action of breathing, rhythm helped structured the brain development which is expressed in well-orchestrated neural oscillations. These synchronized bursts are linked to a range of cognitive functions. Therefore, by actively manipulating the generation of rhythms through motor output (e.g., language, music, walking pattern, finger tapping, etc.), we can drive neuroplastic changes, as well as cognitive functioning. The human ability to synchronize our movements to external rhythms is acquired early in life and involves complex neuronal network that include both cortical and subcortical structures. The integration of metric sequences has given rise to rhythm-based cognitive therapy beneficial in healthy (e.g., aging, social interaction) or pathological (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, stroke patients, dyslexia) populations. Engaging in rhythm-based activity is known to positively impact wellbeing.
The purpose of this article collection is to stimulate research into the role that rhythmic patterns may play in cognition and action. Recent years have witnessed an increasing interest into cognitive and brain mechanisms for rhythmic processes and the influence neural entrainment can have onto a variety of important brain functions, including in the domain of attention, emotion, memory, language and social interaction, both in normal and clinical populations.
This growing body of evidence has provided new findings by means of various techniques, but has also spurred debates and left many questions open. It is become therefore crucial to understand the mechanisms underpinning rhythm-driven enhancement at both neural and behavioral levels. Altogether, we aim to promote and highlight how rhythmic stimulation can be used as a means to boost motor, cognitive, social and communication abilities.
We welcome all submissions, particularly original research and review articles. We are open to behavioral, psychophysiological, neuroimaging approaches and computer-based science.
This research topic cover, but are not limited to:
• The study of rhythmical motor action
• The link between rhythm and cognitive functions
• The use of rhythm in cognitive and motor therapy
• The influence of rhythm on social interaction and prosocial behavior
• The neurophysiological mechanisms of rhythm production and perception
• Computer modeling of rhythm based behavior
We are grateful for your interest in submitting your paper to our Research Topic and are looking forward to helping review your work.
The purpose of this article collection is to stimulate research into the role that rhythmic patterns may play in cognition and action. Recent years have witnessed an increasing interest into cognitive and brain mechanisms for rhythmic processes and the influence neural entrainment can have onto a variety of important brain functions, including in the domain of attention, emotion, memory, language and social interaction, both in normal and clinical populations.
This growing body of evidence has provided new findings by means of various techniques, but has also spurred debates and left many questions open. It is become therefore crucial to understand the mechanisms underpinning rhythm-driven enhancement at both neural and behavioral levels. Altogether, we aim to promote and highlight how rhythmic stimulation can be used as a means to boost motor, cognitive, social and communication abilities.
We welcome all submissions, particularly original research and review articles. We are open to behavioral, psychophysiological, neuroimaging approaches and computer-based science.
This research topic cover, but are not limited to:
• The study of rhythmical motor action
• The link between rhythm and cognitive functions
• The use of rhythm in cognitive and motor therapy
• The influence of rhythm on social interaction and prosocial behavior
• The neurophysiological mechanisms of rhythm production and perception
• Computer modeling of rhythm based behavior
We are grateful for your interest in submitting your paper to our Research Topic and are looking forward to helping review your work.
Keywords: Rhythm, Music, Cognition, Action, Motor, Cognitive therapy, Social interaction, Neural Entrainment, Synchronization, Oscillators
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
