The Influence of Activating Versus Relaxing Music on Repetitive Finger Movement and Associated Cortical Activity

It has been shown in healthy adults that style of music can differentially affect movement performance. The aim of this study was to examine movement performance and associated cortical activity while moving to different styles of music at two different rates in young healthy adults. Thirty-two participants were asked to perform an unconstrained finger flexion-extension movement in time with a tone only, and in time with two music conditions, relaxing music and activating music. Two rates were presented for each condition. A metronome click in the music conditions ensured participants were tapping at the correct rate. Finger movement was measured using a 2 mm sensor placed on the index finger, and bipolar surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from the first dorsal interossieous and the extensor digitorum communis. Electroencephalography (EEG) signals were recorded from a montage of 64 scalp-surface electrodes during movement conditions and rest. Kinematic and kinetic data were obtained from the sensor and EMG data. The results and conclusions for cortical activity in the frontal and motor regions during movement to different styles of music will be presented and discussed. This data will inform similar studies in persons with Parkinson’s disease