A: There is some buzz out there about engaging in certain activities to delay the progression of Alzheimers. IM has not been studied in this population and we are not aware of anyone using it for this purpose. If you are interested in pursuing the "Affects of IM on early Dementia", we would be interested to know the results. IM pays or provides free IM hours for case studies that are submitted and accepted.

Age

Q: What is the youngest age IM can be used with?

A: It was previously thought that patients had to be at least 6 because this was the age at which the child could comprehend and use the guide sounds.  Since then, we’ve learned that younger patients make tremendous gains even when total hands-on assistance is provided the entire time and the guide sounds are off. Recently, an SLP in Georgia presented nationally on an 18 month old infant. She is using IM with a child diagnosed with agenesis of the corpus collosum who was not making much gain with traditional OT, PT, and Speech therapies. This patient could not be kissed, held, bathed, caressed, fed, the baby did not make eye contact, babble or crawl.  After 4 months of IM in the home 3x/week with total hands-on assist, the child can sit in the provider’s lap, be caressed, kissed, eats solid foods, actively seeks and makes eye contact, is beginning to babble, and crawls.

Athletes

Q: Do any pro athletes use IM?

A: Yes. Many do. We cannot share all of their names because IM does not have an endorsement relationship with them. Some players/teams that the media has reported using IM are:

• PGA - Vijay Singh, Glen Day

• NBA – Miami Heat

• NFL – Miami Dolphins

• NHL- Florida Panthers

• Universities – Notre Dame, Syracuse, North Carolina, Miami

C

Calibration

Q: How do you recalibrate the IM?

A: The IM is engineered to recalibrate each time the USB is connected to the computer and the computer is powered up. It is important to shut down your IM computer at the end of each day and disconnect the USB cord. Other details of calibration are patent-protected.

Case Study

Q: How do I submit a case study?

A: Visit the IM website www.interactivemetronome.com and click on the Provider Login.

Charging for IM

Q: What are providers are charging in their region?

A: Charges for IM vary depending upon region and profession. Charges IM typically mirror usual and customary charges for the provider's other services.

Clinical & Technical support

Q: Who should I contact for clinical or technical support once get IM?

A: Call IM @ 877-994-6776 Option 4 Technical Support, Option 7 Clinical Support

Colleges & Universities

Q: Are there any colleges & universities that use IM in their academic training programs?

A: Yes. Several for PT, OT, SLP, and MD training programs. Contact IM Clinical Education Director for additional info if desired.

D

Dance Dance Revolution (DDR)

Q: How is IM different from Dance Dance Revolution (DDR)?

A: The pace of the IM program can be adjusted to suit individual needs and this is not the case with DDR. IM provides a sequential, logical learning hierarchy and critical feedback for timing, DDR does not. IM tasks can be adapted for impaired motor skills, DDR cannot. IM can be done via auditory or visual channel alone, DDR cannot. IM is beat is rhythmic and predictable which is critical to motor planning, DDR is not. We still think DDR is a fin game though!

Deaf

Q: Can IM be used with a deaf person?

A: Yes, by using the visual mode with center flash. The center flash serves as the stimulus for the metronome and visual guides help the patient get better with timing.

Depression

Q: Has IM been shown to have any effect on depression?

A: We’ve received a couple of anecdotal reports from IM providers on this application who report good outcomes, nothing substantiated or studied at this time.   

Dr. Greenspan

Q: What is Dr. Greenspan’s involvement with IM?

A: Dr. Greenspan remains the Chairman of IM's Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. McGrew

Q: Dr. McGrew’s relationship to IM?

A: Dr. McGrew is a member of IM's Scientific Advisory Board. He reviews research proposals and provides input regarding statistical analysis. He also provides updates on temporal processing research.

Durability of IM Outcomes

Q: Are the outcomes from IM long-lasting, or does a patient need to repeat IM at certain intervals to maintain gains?

A: Anecdotally, gains appear to stick in most cases. Patients tested more than a year after having IM treatment continue to demonstrate the improved ms scores (typically within 10 ms of discharge scores) and continue to demonstrate functional gains. Many continue to improve upon gains made and are doing even better.

There have been some reports of a few patients that needed to take a few booster sessions to get back to peak performance after  a period of months without IM intervention. It is unclear why it sticks for most and not for a few.  For the few that need booster sessions, it is reported they only need a few sessions to get back to peak performance (not requiring as much as they did the first time).

It is important to consider the concept of ‘learned helplessness’ and how this may impact generalization and maintenance of gains. It is important for therapists and family members to encourage use of new skills once IM treatment is concluded.

Look for more FAQs of the
alphabet in the March eNews