Kandyce’s Confidence Boost: IM’s Role in Academic Success and Soccer Dreams

Interactive Metronome (IM) provides a structured, goal-oriented process that challenges the patient to synchronize whole-body exercises to a precise computer-generated reference beat. The patient attempts to match the rhythmic beat with repetitive motor actions. An auditory-visual guidance system provides immediate feedback measured in milliseconds, and a score is provided.

IM integrates sight, sound and physical movements to improve:

• Working Memory: The ability to store information and ideas. Memory is essential for word recognition, comprehension of complex sentences and learning.
• Attention: The ability to focus on information, tasks and ignore distractions.
• Processing: The rate at which the patient is able to accurately perceive and manipulate information.
• Sequencing: The placing of detailed information in its accustomed order, for example: days of the week, the alphabet or long division.

IM Helps Kandyce Gain Self-Confidence & Improve Grades

Kandyce is an extremely shy 14-year-old girl with low self-esteem who had an unspecified learning disability and coordination problems. She was failing her high school classes and hated school, so much so that she wanted to home school. Kandyce’s mother noted that she was sad, had a lack of direction and was generally unmotivated.

After hearing about Interactive Metronome (IM), her mother became hopeful that Kandyce’s grades might improve and that she might become more motivated. Kandyce began the program and tried her best in each session to make good scores. After a short while her therapist noted that Kandyce was starting to come out of her shell; she was making much more consistent eye contact and really enjoyed her sessions. At home, Kandyce’s mom noticed improvements too; she did her homework without being told, and even started reading in her free time.

Kandyce stayed in school and proudly passed the ninth grade and is now in tenth grade. She is noticeably more selfassured and confident. With her improved coordination and increased confidence, she plans to try out for the soccer team in the spring!