Bimanual coordination, the simultaneous movement of both arms or legs, plays a pivotal role in many sports. A recent Portuguese study, conducted in 2018, sheds light on how this essential skill can be augmented in children.
Read more: The Power of Music in Enhancing Bimanual CoordinationThe Science Behind Music and Behavior:
It’s fascinating to delve into the nexus between music and behavioral changes. Numerous studies indicate that children undergoing music lessons exhibit superior performance in verbal functions, executive functions, and even boast a higher IQ compared to their non-musical peers. Such children often master bimanual coordination, crucial for musicians playing instruments requiring simultaneous hand (and sometimes foot) movements. Instruments like drums or guitars are apt examples. Moreover, research shows a profound link between bimanual coordination and attention. Most of these intricate motor skills peak around the age of eight. But, what’s the optimal method to foster these skills in children?
Delving Deeper: The Study by University of Porto:
Researcher Marta Martins, in collaboration with her colleagues from the University of Porto, embarked on a journey to decipher the most effective method to train bimanual coordination.
The crux of their study was to ascertain the best approach to instill fine motor skills. They scrutinized the impact of music lessons against basketball training, juxtaposed against a control group. Basketball was chosen due to its array of independent movements executed during play.
74 children, averaging 8.31 years in age (40 girls, 34 boys), were selected. These children were then categorized into three segments: music lessons, basketball training, and a control group. Preliminary measurements were undertaken: intelligence levels via the WISC 3 and eye-hand coordination via the Purdue Pegboard and Grooved Pegboard. After these assessments, children were subjected to training sessions—twice weekly, lasting 90 minutes each, spanning 24 weeks. Both music and basketball sessions were facilitated by seasoned professionals experienced in teaching children. Post-training, the effects were evaluated, followed by a 4-month check-in.
Illuminating Findings:
The data post the 24-week intervention is intriguing. Preliminary tests revealed no significant disparities among the groups. However, post-intervention, the music group showcased remarkable progress compared to the basketball and control groups. These differences were statistically significant. Even after a 4-month hiatus, improvements were evident. While the basketball group did demonstrate enhanced fine motor skills, their progress paled compared to the music group. The study’s conclusion was unequivocal: music training at the age of eight profoundly impacts motor coordination and hand dexterity.
Personal Insights:
Personally, I’m impressed by the meticulousness of this study—its extensive duration (24 weeks) and the sizable participant group set it apart. The affirmation that music lessons profoundly contribute to fine motor skill development isn’t startling, yet having empirical evidence reinforces this belief. For eight-year-olds, holistic development is paramount. This study paves the way for intriguing questions: Can training in bimanual coordination via music lessons enhance performance in specific sports, like basketball? Could soccer goalkeepers benefit from drum lessons? There’s a plethora of intriguing queries awaiting exploration.
So, we’ve unraveled that the interdependent movement of arms or legs is termed bimanual coordination. Curious about your bimanual coordination prowess? Watch this video and discover for yourself: YouTube Link.
Source:Frontiers in Psychology