Yes, 'Neato, I think you are right. It was probably the constant practice for the same consistent beat or rhythm that resulted in the improvement. And I bet it WILL carry over into other things. Perhaps there are even subtle changes in her cognitive processing since mastering the swimming strokes??
I think this is why martial arts has an impact on task focus, too. Or any other task involving timing and coordination. And this study seems to support that both timing and cognitive processing are based in the same area of the brain. SI theories support that it is the basic, fundamental neurological processes of sensory processing that support development timing and sequencing which in turn support higher level development of cognitive and perceptual skills, including task focus and attention.
When I did the IM training myself, to be certified to use it in practice, I first tested well within the "average" range according to their score profiles (41 to 69 ms off the beat). At the end, my timing on the activities is now in what they call the "gifted" range (under 22 ms off the beat, actually under 20 ms!). I had no identified problems that I was hoping to "fix" by doing IM. But about a month after completing the training I asked my husband if he noticed anything different about me. His comment surprised me, as he said that I seemed to finish things more often rather than have 4 things going on at once and leaving three of them undone! He said I still did 3 or 4 things at once but at least now I got 3 or even all 4 done without leaving them unattended! Apparently I was slightly ADD! Perhaps kid related etiology??!!
I had a child who did the IM and was on swim team also. Her mom told me that she cut a full second off her time for her best event by the time we finished the training. Her coach noticed that she was more fluid and smooth in the water and that something had changed in her coordination. It just amazes me each time I do it!
But, I didn't post this to hype up IM training. I do think that many other things can have the same impact. And it makes me wonder if this kind of stuff can help a gifted child who just can't seem to get it organized?? Perhaps boost those underachievers who just can't seem to stay well focused or are off in too many directions? Maybe training like IM can help organize all that neuronal firing into something even greater?? I don't know. Just thinking as I type.
