The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	The use of audio stimulation to affect sensorimotor learning
Author:	Ranky, Gregory Nicholas
View Online:	njit-etd2017-094 (xiii, 62 pages ~ 2.0 MB pdf)
Department:	Department of Biomedical Engineering
Degree:	Doctor of Philosophy
Program:	Biomedical Engineering
Document Type:	Dissertation
Advisory Committee:	Adamovich, Sergei (Committee chair) Deutsch, Judy (Committee member) Fluet, Gerard G. (Committee member) Foulds, Richard A. (Committee member) Sahin, Mesut (Committee member)
Date:	2017-08
Keywords:	Sensorimotor learning Sequential finger tapping Upper extremity Audiovisual entrainment Isochronic tones Audio stimulation
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	Sensorimotor learning for the hand and fingers can be conducted using both hardware and software components, but the training regime is also important. Using repetitive sequence tapping allows measurement of defined metrics in a controlled, safe environment, and therefore statistical indications for subject improvement. The process of entrainment, when a subject’s own movements synchronize to an external signal, has been tested in prior studies for memorization and recognition, but has not been investigated for correlation with sensorimotor learning. This is tested with selected custom isochronic audio tones, combined with sequential finger tapping on a standard computer keyboard. Whilst there were no significant differences between specific frequencies, testing blocks done during tone conditions show subject improvement in reduced mean sequence times compared to pre-stimulation, with no significant change in subsequent post-stimulation blocks.