Gamma-Band Frequency Analysis and Motor Development in Music-Trained Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the gamma-band frequency and motor performance of children with and without music training.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 31 right-handed children, 6–11 years old, who were allocated to two groups: 1) the music group (MG), including children who attended preschool and musical training (n = 16), and 2) the no-music group (NMG), including children who attended preschool but received no additional music training (n = 15). The outcomes were gamma-band frequency measured by electroencephalography, manual dexterity, aim-and-catch, and static and dynamic balance abilities measured by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, and fine motor skills, overall motor skills, balance, corporal body scheme, spatial organization, temporal orientation, and general motor quotient (GMQ) by a Brazilian scale for motor development.

Results: There 1was a significant difference between groups in the peak frequency (p = 0.0195) and median frequency (p = 0.0070) in the F3–F4 regions. Static and dynamic balance (p = 0.03), temporal orientation (p < 0.01), and GMQ (p < 0.03) were higher in MG than in NMG.

Conclusion: The musically trained children had increased gamma-peak frequency in the frontal region and greater temporal orientation, balance, and the overall motor quotient.

Keywords:

• electroencephalography
• children
• psychomotor performance
• brain waves
• music

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank you the Renato Frateschi State Conservatory of Music and all parents of children who agree to participate of this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).