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SYSTEMATIC REVIEW article

Front. Psychol., 18 October 2023

Sec. Performance Science

Volume 14 - 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1161052

Which factors modulate spontaneous motor tempo? A systematic review of the literature

  • ToNIC, Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, Université de Toulouse, Inserm, UPS, Toulouse, France

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Abstract

Intentionally or not, humans produce rhythmic behaviors (e.g., walking, speaking, and clapping). In 1974, Paul Fraisse defined rhythmic behavior as a periodic movement that obeys a temporal program specific to the subject and that depends less on the conditions of the action (p. 47). Among spontaneous rhythms, the spontaneous motor tempo (SMT) corresponds to the tempo at which someone produces movements in the absence of external stimuli, at the most regular, natural, and pleasant rhythm for him/her. However, intra- and inter-individual differences exist in the SMT values. Even if several factors have been suggested to influence the SMT (e.g., the age of participants), we do not yet know which factors actually modulate the value of the SMT. In this context, the objectives of the present systematic review are (1) to characterize the range of SMT values found in the literature in healthy human adults and (2) to identify all the factors modulating the SMT values in humans. Our results highlight that (1) the reference value of SMT is far from being a common value of 600 ms in healthy human adults, but a range of SMT values exists, and (2) many factors modulate the SMT values. We discuss our results in terms of intrinsic factors (in relation to personal characteristics) and extrinsic factors (in relation to environmental characteristics). Recommendations are proposed to assess the SMT in future research and in rehabilitative, educative, and sport interventions involving rhythmic behaviors.

1. Introduction

Rhythm is an essential human component. “Rhythm is defined as the pattern of time intervals in a stimulus sequence” (Grahn, 2012, p. 586), and the tempo is the rate of the stimuli's onset within a regular sequence (Grahn, 2012). Early in life, rhythm is present in a large number of activities of daily life, such as walking, speaking, chewing, doing leisure activities (dancing, swimming, pedaling, playing a musical instrument, singing, clapping, etc.), or school activities (writing and reading). Some activities require producing a rhythm with a spontaneous tempo (e.g., writing, reading, chewing, walking, speaking, etc.), and some others require synchronizing with a rhythm produced by an external event (e.g., playing a musical instrument, singing, clapping, dancing, etc.). Those activities can have different rhythmic components. For example, speech generally shows a non-isochronous rhythmic structure, but other language skills, such as reading, may also show beat-based patterns (i.e., isochronous patterns based on equal time intervals; see Ozernov-Palchik and Patel, 2018). Writing seems to be linked to isochronous rhythmic production (Lê et al., 2020b), even if it is not yet well-known whether writing shows more beat- or non-beat-based processing. Other activities, such as tapping or clapping, are well-known to show isochronous patterns.

Rhythmic abilities are deficient in various populations, and nowadays, rehabilitative interventions based on rhythmic synchronization are used to improve motor control. This is the case for populations with neurological diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease, stroke, and cerebral palsy; see Braun Janzen et al., 2021), rare diseases or conditions (Launay et al., 2014; Bégel et al., 2017, 2022a; Tranchant and Peretz, 2020), or neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., dyslexia, developmental coordination disorder, and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder; Puyjarinet et al., 2017; Bégel et al., 2018, 2022b; Lê et al., 2020a; Blais et al., 2021; Daigmorte et al., 2022). In this context, participants are required to synchronize their movements to an external rhythm, usually with an auditory metronome, to regulate the speed of their gait or manual or verbal responses. The ability to synchronize with an external rhythm is particularly studied during sensorimotor synchronization tasks that consist of the “coordination of a rhythmic movement with an external rhythm” (Repp and Su, 2013, p. 1). The tempo and the sensory modality of the external rhythmic stimuli can modulate the performance of sensorimotor synchronization (see Repp, 2005; Repp and Su, 2013 for extensive reviews of the literature). Sensorimotor synchronization is less accurate and stable when the tempo is slower (Drewing et al., 2006; Repp and Su, 2013) and slower than the spontaneous motor tempo (SMT; Varlet et al., 2012). SMT is the rhythm at which a person produces movements in the absence of stimuli at his/her own most regular, natural, and pleasant rate. Hence, the tempo of the external rhythm has to be adapted to the actual tempo of the participants. Recent studies individualize the parameters of the intervention by adapting the tempo of the metronome to be synchronized (Benoit et al., 2014; Dalla Bella et al., 2017; Cochen De Cock et al., 2021; Frey et al., 2022). This is done by measuring the individual's SMT before an intervention. Rehabilitation is then performed with music at either ±10% of this tempo. Therefore, it seems interesting to evaluate rhythmic abilities, especially spontaneous motor tempo (SMT), to individualize learning and rehabilitation.

It is usually admitted in the pioneering work of Paul Fraisse that the most representative reference value of the spontaneous motor tempo (SMT) is 600 ms in healthy human adults (Fraisse, 1974). However, a growing body of literature about SMT suggests that this value is not universal. Fraisse himself pointed out that, even if the SMT is supposed to be relatively stable in one individual, inter-individual differences are more important and could be related to the instructions, the material of measurement, the body position, the chronological and intellectual development, and the sensory deficits (Fraisse, 1974). Even if these factors have been tested in a few studies, to our knowledge, no updated review of the literature has been made to provide complete and recent knowledge on the range of SMT values in healthy human adults and the factors influencing them. For example, recent studies suggest that age is a major factor modulating the value of SMT. The review by Provasi et al. (2014a) focuses on the spontaneous (and induced) rhythmic behaviors during the perinatal period, with a special emphasis on the spontaneous rhythm of sucking, crying, and arm movements in newborns. The authors indicate that the SMT evolves from newborns to the elderly. Fast rhythmical movements of the arms have been identified in fetuses with a tempo of 3 or 4 movements per second (250–333 ms; Kuno et al., 2001), whereas a tempo of 450 ms has been found during drumming (Drake et al., 2000) or tapping (McAuley et al., 2006) in children around 4 years old and more. The value of the SMT is relatively fixed around 400 ms between 5 and 8 years, even if the variability of the SMT tends to decrease with age (Monier and Droit-Volet, 2019). The SMT is supposed to increase to achieve 600 ms in adulthood (Fraisse, 1974) and to slow down further with age to achieve 700–800 ms in the elderly (Vanneste et al., 2001). In the case of tempo produced with the mouth, the SMT of non-nutritive sucking is around 450 ms in neonates (Bobin-Bègue et al., 2006), whereas the spontaneous crying frequency is between 1,100 and 2,400 ms in newborns (Brennan and Kirkland, 1982). All these results suggest that the relationship between SMT and age is not general and linear. The effector producing the SMT could be a potential factor affecting the relationship between SMT and age.

Some studies focus on the SMT produced with the mouth in a quasi-rhythmic pattern during speech production and in an isochronous repetitive pattern during syllable rate production. The review of Poeppel and Assaneo (2020) reports that the temporal structure of speech “is remarkably stable across languages, with a preferred range of rhythmicity of 2–8 Hz” (125–500 ms; Poeppel and Assaneo, 2020, p. 322). One could suggest that this rhythm is faster than the rhythm supposed to be found in rhythmical movements of the arms (600 ms in adulthood, Fraisse, 1974). However, in the broader context of speech production, we cannot neglect the communicative aspect of speech. The audience for the speech could also influence the SMT (Leong et al., 2017). Thus, it is possible that, in addition to the age previously mentioned, not only the effector but also the communicative goal of the activity may influence the SMT.

Moreover, environmental factors are supposed to influence SMT values. In the review of Van Wassenhove (2022), it is suggested that the manipulation of external landmarks, such as the time of day, can modulate the endogenous temporal representation of time and, as a consequence, the SMT (Van Wassenhove, 2022).

In this context, the objectives of the systematic review are (1) to characterize the range of SMT values found in the literature in healthy human adults and (2) to identify all the factors modulating the SMT values in humans.

2. Materials and methods

We conducted a systematic review according to PRISMA recommendations (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses; Page et al., 2021).

2.1. Information sources and search strategy

Studies were identified by searching in the PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science databases. These databases were selected because they represent a broad spectrum of disciplines related to motor behavior. The final search was performed on 4 July 2022. There was no restriction on the year of publication; all articles present in the databases at this time point were searched. The search was first conducted in all languages, and then only English and French studies were selected for screening. As the term “spontaneous motor tempo” is not exclusively used, we searched a broad spectrum of synonyms for this term. Filters were also used to identify relevant research depending on the database (Table 1).

Table 1

PubMed Science Direct Web of Science
Search equation ((spontaneous motor tempo) OR ((spontaneous OR self-paced OR internally-driven OR internal OR preferred OR internally-guided) AND (motor NOT locomotion NOT locomotor) AND (tempo OR rhythm OR rhythmic OR tapping OR (intertap interval)))) (‘human') AND ((‘spontaneous motor tempo') NOT (‘locomotion' OR ‘locomotor') ALL = (human) AND (ALL = ((spontaneous motor tempo) OR ((spontaneous OR self-paced OR internally-driven OR internal OR preferred OR internally-guided) AND (motor NOT locomotion NOT locomotor) AND (tempo OR rhythm OR rhythmic OR tapping OR (intertap interval)))))
Applied filters “Human” and “All type of documents” “Review articles” and “Research articles” “All type of documents”
Search results 1,225 1,141 813

Search strategy information.

2.2. Selection of studies and eligibility criteria

We only selected articles and reviews before screening by excluding congress papers, chapters, books, and theses. Reviews identified in databases were just used to find missing original articles about SMT, and they have not been included in the systematic review (reviews not included: Provasi et al., 2014a; Poeppel and Assaneo, 2020; Van Wassenhove, 2022).

For greater specificity in the selection of the studies, inclusion criteria were based on the PICO (population, intervention, comparator, and outcome) strategy (Table 2). For this, we selected studies carried out on human samples producing rhythmic tasks. A control factor or control group was identified as a comparator. Spontaneous motor tempo was identified as the Outcome. Moreover, we selected other exclusion criteria: (1) studies that did not present experimental data; (2) studies that did not present a SMT task (i.e., focusing only on sensorimotor synchronization or on perception of rhythmic stimuli); (3) studies that did not report data on SMT (a SMT task is produced by the participants, but variables studied assess, for example, brain data or relative phases); (4) studies that did not focus on intentional SMT (studies on cardiorespiratory rhythms like breath or heart rate); and (5) studies that focus on walking with displacement (locomotion). We excluded studies on locomotion because locomotion involves spatiotemporal regulation; however, we retained studies on walking on a treadmill because walking on a treadmill involves mainly temporal regulation.

Table 2

PICO strategy
Description Component
Population Human
Intervention Rhythmic task
Comparator Control factor or group
Outcomes Spontaneous motor tempo

Description of the PICO strategy that was used.

All titles and abstracts were screened by one researcher (AD), and if the articles fit the review criteria, they were read in full. The full-text eligibility assessment was conducted by two independent reviewers (AD and JT). Disagreements were resolved by a discussion according to the PICO strategy with a third researcher (EM).

2.3. Data collection process

For tabulation and extraction of data referring to the selected studies, Excel® software spreadsheets were used. After screening the selected studies, we classified them into two categories, i.e., those measuring the SMT values (in general, as a prerequisite for a subsequent rhythmic sensorimotor synchronization task) and those examining the effect of factor(s) on the SMT values.

For studies measuring the SMT values, we extracted study characteristics, demographic variables, methodological variables, and outcome indicators from each study. The extracted characteristics included the authors, the year of publication, and the sample size. Demographic variables included sex, age, and laterality. Methodological variables included the instruction, the task, the effector(s), and the measurement recording. Outcome indicators included SMT values and their units. We finally convert all of the SMT values to milliseconds to be comparable and to provide a range of SMT values.

For studies about factor(s) modulating SMT values, we extracted study characteristics (first author and year of publication), methodological variables (task and effector(s)), and outcome indicators (factor(s) effects, their significance, and their direction on SMT values, i.e., on the mean or median and/or the standard deviation or coefficient of variation). Sometimes, we also extracted other information (e.g., subgroups and specific statistical analyses) to understand and interpret the results.

3. Results

A total of 3,179 studies were identified via databases. Before screening, 357 duplicates and 159 studies were removed (e.g., language, chapters and books, congress papers, or theses). According to the exclusion criteria, 2,349 studies were excluded based on the title or the abstract. After verifying the records left in full, according to the pre-established eligibility criteria, 93 studies from databases were included in the systematic review. Moreover, 14 out of 25 studies identified via citation searching were included. Finally, a total of 107 studies were included in the systematic review. Results from the process for selecting the included articles (following the recommendations of Page et al., 2021) are described in the flowchart (Figure 1).

Figure 1

Figure 1

Flowchart of the identification of studies via databases.

In total, 13 studies provide a SMT value or a range of SMT values in healthy adults (Table 3). Our results reveal that the range of SMT values is from 333 to 3,160 ms. Notably, 94 studies measure the effect of the factor(s) on the SMT values (Table 4). We classified studies according to the type of factors modulating the SMT values: intrinsic factors, in relation to personal characteristics, and extrinsic factors, in relation to environmental characteristics. Concerning intrinsic factors, we have found studies investigating the effects of a pathology (N = 27), age (N = 16), the effector or the side (N = 7), the expertise or a predisposition (N = 7), and the genotype (N = 2). Concerning extrinsic factors, we have found studies investigating the effects of physical training (N = 10), external constraints (N = 7), observation training (N = 5), the time of testing (N = 4), the internal state (N = 3), the type of task (N = 5), and a dual task (N = 2).

Table 3

References Participants processed Paradigm SMT
Number of participants Sex Age ±SD (years old) Laterality Instruction Task Trial(s) (duration or intervals number) Measurement recording Effector SMT values Converted SMT values (in ms) Coefficient of variation
Mean, median or range SD Unit Mean, median, or range SD
Hattori et al. (2015) 6 2M 4F
27 ± N.S.
Not reported
Not reported Tapping 1 (30 times) Intertap intervals Fingers 333–505 12.6–23 ms 333–505 12.6–23 Not reported
Ruspantini et al. (2012) 11 Not reported
Not reported
Not reported
To periodically articulate the/pa/syllable, mouthing silently, at a self-paced, comfortable rate Producing a syllable Not reported Syllable rate Mouth/lips 2.1 0.5 Hz 476 200 Not reported
McPherson et al. (2018) 20 5M 15F
18–26
19
right-handed
1 left-handed
To hit the drum, sustaining a constant pulse at their own, naturally comfortable tempo Drumming 10 (15 s each) Beats per minute Hand 62–122 (one at 189) Not reported bpm 492–968 (one at 317) Not reported Not reported
Rousanoglou and Boudolos (2006) 11 5M 6F
21.2 ± 0.5 (M)
21.3 ± 0.5 (F)
Not reported
To perform two-legged hopping in place at their preferred hopping frequency Hopping 2 (15 s each) Duration of the hopping cycle Legs 0.555 0.083 s 555 83 Not reported
Michaelis et al. (2014) 14 7M 7F
18–35
Right-handed
To tap a response key at whichever rate felt “most comfortable,” to keep a steady pace, and make the spaces between taps as even as possible Tapping 4 (30 intertap intervals) Intertap intervals Finger 0.68 0.32 s 680 320 Not reported
Sidhu and Lauber (2020) 11 8M 3F
25.9 ± 3.8
Not reported
To cycle at a freely chosen cadence Cycling on a cycle ergometer 1 (5 min) Cadence Legs 71.6 8.1 rpm 838 95 Not reported
Zhao et al. (2020) 21 13M 8F
26.2 ± 5.4
19
right-handed
2 left-handed
To perform rhythmic oscillatory movements at their preferred frequency (if he or she can do it all day long) with the amplitude of the participant's shoulder Performing rhythmic oscillatory movements with a stick 1 (30 s) Number of movement cycles Hand 17–33 Not reported no unit 909–1,765 Not reported Not reported
De Pretto et al. (2018) 14 7M 7F
27.7 ± 3.1
Right-handed
To tap at their most natural pace, at a frequency they could maintain without mental effort, and for a long period of time Tapping 3 (40 intertap intervals) Intertap intervals Finger 931 204 ms 931 204 5.6 ± 1.3%
Eriksson et al. (2000) 12 5M 7F
25–45
Not reported
Not reported Opening and closing the jaw Chewing 2 (12 s each) 2 (12 s each) Cycle time Cycle time Jaw Jaw 2.43 0.86 0.86 0.16 s s 2,430 860 860 160 Not reported
Sotirakis et al. (2020) 20 Not reported
27.1 ± 9.15
Not reported
To perform voluntary postural sway cycles at their own self-selected amplitude and pace Swaying 1 (20 cycles) Cycle duration Whole body 3,160 530 ms 3,160 530 Not reported
Malcolm et al. (2018) 16 11M 5F
25.6 ± 4.5
Right-handed
Not reported Walking on a treadmill Not reported Speed walking Legs 3.2–4.5 Not reported km/h Not convertible Not reported Not reported
LaGasse (2013) 12 Not reported
18–35
Not reported
To repeat the syllable/pa/at a comfortable and steady pace Producing a syllable 7 (8 sequential repetitions) Inter-responses interval Mouth/lips Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported
Zhao et al. (2017) 22 12M 10F
26.9 ± 6.6
Not reported
To tap at a constant and comfortable tempo Tapping 6 (30 s each) Not reported Finger Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported Not reported

Summarized results of studies measuring SMT values (N = 13).

The original SMT values reported were converted to milliseconds by the authors (A.D., E.M., and J.T.) to provide a range of SMT values in milliseconds: [333–3,160 ms].

Table 4

References Factors modulating the SMT
I. Intrinsic factors
1. Pathology Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Amrani and Golumbic (2020) ADHD vs. Healthy adults Yes ADHD faster than Healthy adults ADHD less stable than Healthy adults (within trial and across sessions) / / / / Tapping on an electro-optic sensor Finger /
Byblow et al. (2002) Parkinson's vs. Healthy elderly Yes Parkinson's is slower than Healthy elderly Not found Mode of coordination Side Inphase faster than antiphase Not found Not found Not found No interaction Producing pronation and supination movements Forearm /
Delevoye-Turrell et al. (2012) Schizophrenia vs. Healthy adults Yes • Schizophrenia is slower than Healthy adults • Schizophrenia is less stable than Healthy adults / / / / Producing finger down and up rhythmic movements Finger /
Ultra-High Risk vs. Healthy Younger adults Yes • Ultra-High Risk = Healthy Younger adults • Ultra-High Risk less stable than Healthy young adults
• Ultra-High Risk = Schizophrenia
Flasskamp et al. (2012) Parkinson's vs. Healthy elderly Yes Parkinson's faster than Healthy elderly Parkinson's less stable than Healthy elderly / / / / Producing a syllable Mouth/lips Subgroups of Parkinson's (Left-sided vs. Right-sided symptoms)
Frankford et al. (2021) Stammerers vs. Healthy adults No Stammerers = Healthy adults Stammerers = Healthy adults / / / / Reading sentences Mouth/lips /
Häggman-Henrikson et al. (2002) Whiplash-associated disorders vs. Healthy adults Yes Whiplash-associated disorders slower than Healthy adults Not found / / / / Chewing Jaw /
Horin et al. (2021) Parkinson's vs. Healthy elderly Yes Parkinson's faster than Healthy elderly Parkinson's = Healthy elderly Effector • Finger faster than Gait
• Foot faster than Gait
• Finger = Gait
• Foot = Gait
Interaction Pathology × Effector: Parkinson's faster than Healthy elderly for foot tapping • Tapping on a keyboard key
• Tapping on a pedal
• Finger
• Foot
Other 5 m walking task
Keil et al. (1998) Schizophrenia vs. Healthy adults No Schizophrenia = Healthy adults Not found Movement direction Vertical faster than Horizontal Not found Not found Bimanual coordination task Fingers Horizontal and vertical movements
Konczak et al. (1997) Parkinson's vs. Healthy elderly Yes • Producing a syllable: Significant effect (no other information)
• Tapping: Significant effect (no other information)
• Producing a syllable: Not found
• Tapping: Not found
Task (Dual vs. Single) • Producing a syllable: Significant effect (no other information)
• Tapping: Not found
• Producing a syllable: Not found
• Tapping: Not found
Not found • Producing a syllable
• Tapping on a table
• Mouth/lips
• Finger
Subgroups of Parkinson's (With vs. Without hastening)
Kumai (1999) 2–3.5 vs. 3.6–4.5 vs. 4.6–5.5 vs. 5.6–6.11 vs. 7+ years of mental ages No 2–3.5 =3.6–4.5 = 4.6–5.5 = 5.6–6.11 = 7+ years of mental ages Not found / / / / Drumming with a stick Hand/Forearm Biological age: 13–23 years old
McCombe Waller and Whitall (2004) Chronic hemiparesis vs. Healthy adults No • Paretic limb: Not found
• Non-paretic limb: Chronic hemiparesis = Healthy adults
• Paretic limb: Not found
• Non-paretic limb: Chronic hemiparesis = Healthy adults
Sensorimotor synchronization training in the non-paretic limb (in hemiparesis patients) Pre faster than Post Pre = Post sensorimotor synchronization training Not found Tapping on keys Fingers /
Martin et al. (2017) Alzheimer's vs. Healthy elderly No Alzheimer's = Healthy elderly Not found / / / / Tapping on a keyboard key Finger /
Martínez Pueyo et al. (2016) Huntington vs. Healthy adults Yes Huntington is slower than Healthy adults Huntington is less stable than Healthy adults / / / / Tapping on a keyboard key Finger /
Palmer et al. (2014) 2 Beat-deaf vs. Healthy adults No 2 Beat-deaf = Healthy adults 2 Beat-deaf = Healthy adults / / / / Tapping on a silent piano key Finger /
Phillips-Silver et al. (2011) 1 Beat-deaf (congenital amusia) vs. Healthy adults Not found (case report) Not found (case report) Not found / / / / Bouncing Whole body /
Provasi et al. (2014b) Cerebellar medulloblastoma vs. Healthy children Yes Cerebellar medulloblastoma is slower than Healthy children Cerebellar medulloblastoma is less stable than Healthy children Sensorimotor synchronization task Sex Pre faster than Post Male = Female Pre = Post sensorimotor synchronization task Female = Male • Interaction Pathology × Sensorimotor synchronization task: effect of Sensorimotor synchronization on SMT value and its stability is higher in Cerebellar medulloblastoma than in Healthy children.
• No interaction Sex × Pathology × Sensorimotor synchronization task
Tapping on a keyboard key Finger /
Roche et al. (2011) DCD vs. Healthy children Yes DCD = Healthy children DCD is less stable than Healthy children Sensory feedback Vision+ Audition = No vision + Audition = Vision + No audition = No vision + No audition Vision+ audition = No vision + Audition = Vision + No audition = No vision + No audition No interaction Pathology × Sensory feedback Anti-phase tapping on a table Fingers /
Roerdink et al. (2009) Stroke vs. Healthy adults Yes Stroke is slower than Healthy adults Not found / / / / Walking on treadmill Legs /
Rose et al. (2020) Parkinson's vs. Healthy elderly vs. Younger healthy adults Yes (in all tasks) • Finger tapping: Parkinson's = Healthy elderly// Parkinson's faster than Younger healthy adults// Healthy elderly (515 ms) faster than Younger healthy adults
• Toe tapping: Parkinson's faster Healthy elderly = Younger healthy adults
• Stepping: Parkinson's faster than Younger healthy adults// Parkinson's = Heatlthy elderly// Healthy elederly = Younger healthy adults
• Finger tapping: Parkinson's = Younger healthy adults// Parkinson's less stable than Healthy elderly// Younger healthy adults less stable than Healthy elderly
• Toe tapping: Parkinson's = Younger healthy adults = Healthy elderly
• Stepping: Parkinson's = Younger healthy adults = Healthy elderly
/ / / / • Tapping on a stomp box
• Tapping on a stomp box
• Stepping on the spot
• Finger
• Toe
• Feet
Rubia et al. (1999) ADHD vs. Healthy children Yes ADHD = Healthy children ADHD less stable than Healthy children / / / / Tapping on a button Finger /
Schwartze et al. (2011) Stroke (Basal ganglia lesions) vs. Healthy adults Yes Not found Stroke less stable than Healthy adults Sensorimotor synchronization task Not found Pre less stable than Post No interaction Pathology × Sensorimotor synchronization task Tapping on a copper plate Hand /
Schwartze et al. (2016) Cerebellar lesion vs. Healthy adults Yes Cerebellar lesion = Healthy adults Cerebellar lesion less stable than Healthy adults Sensorimotor synchronization task Pre = Post Not found No interaction Pathology × Sensorimotor synchronization task Tapping on a pad Finger /
Schellekens et al. (1983) Minor neurological dysfunction vs. Healthy children Yes Minor neurological dysfunction slower than Healthy children Minor neurological dysfunction less stable than Healthy children / / / / Pressing buttons Hand/Arm /
Volman et al. (2006) DCD vs. Healthy children Yes (in both tapping modes) • In-phase: DCD slower than Healthy
• Anti-phase: DCD slower than Healthy
Not found Limb combination • In-phase: Hand-foot ipsilateral = Hand-foot controlateral slower than Hand-hand
• Anti-phase: Hand-foot ipsilateral = Hand-foot controlatéral slower than Hand-hand
• In-phase: Not found
• Anti- phase: Not found
No interaction Pathology × Limb combination (for In-phase and Anti-phase) In-phase and Anti-phase bi-effectors tapping on a pad Hand and foot Limb combinations: - Hand–hand coordination (homologous); - Hand–foot coordination same body side (ipsilateral) - Hand-foot coordination different body side (contralateral)
Wittmann et al. (2001) Adults with Brain subcortical injury left hemisphere without aphasia (LHsub) vs. Brain cortical injury left hemisphere with aphasia (LH) vs. Brain cortical injury right hemisphere (RH) vs. Controls (orthopedic but not brain injury; CTrl) Yes LH slower than CTrl LHsub faster than CTrl RH = CTrl LH = LHsub = RH = CTrl Side (in controls) Left = Right / / Tapping on a keyboard key Finger /
Wurdeman et al. (2013) Transtibial amputee vs. Healthy adults No Transtibial amputee = Healthy adults Not found / / / / Walking on a treadmill Legs /
Yahalom et al. (2004) Parkinson's vs. Healthy elderly No Parkinson's = Healthy elderly Parkinson's = Healthy elderly / / / / Tapping on a board Fingers Subgroups of Parkinson's (Tremor predominant vs. Freezing predominant vs. Akinetic rigid vs. Unclassified) Freezing predominant Parkinson's vs. Unclassified Parkinson's adults significantly different
2. Age Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Baudouin et al. (2004) 21–35 vs. 66–80 vs. 81–94 years old Yes 21–35 faster than 66–80 = 81–94 years old Not found / / / / Tapping on a plastic block Finger /
Drake et al. (2000) 4 vs. 6 vs. 8 vs. 10 years old children vs. Adults Yes Younger faster than Older Younger more stable than Older Trial measurement Musical expertise Trial 1 slower than Trial 5 Non-musicians faster than Musicians Not found Non-musicians less stable Musicians No interaction Age × Trial measurement × Musical expertise Drumming with a stick Hand/forearm /
Droit et al. (1996) 31–35 vs. 37–39 weeks of postmenstrual age in brain-damaged and low risks preterm infants No 31–35 = 37–39 weeks of postmenstrual age Not found / / / / Kicking Legs /
Ejiri (1998) Before vs. After onset of canonical babbling (CB) Yes Onset CB faster than Before and After CB Not found Audibility of rattles Weight of rattles Sex Side Audible faster than Inaudible Not found Not found Not found Not found Not found Not found Not found Interaction Onset CB × Audibility of rattle: after onset CB, Audible rattle is faster than Inaudible. Shaking a rattle Arm /
Fitzpatrick et al. (1996) 3 vs. 4 vs. 5 vs. 7 years old children No 3 = 4 = 5 = 7 years old Not found Side Loading Left = Right Not found Not found Not found Interaction Side × Loading: the right limb loaded oscillates faster than the left limb loaded. Clapping with and without inertial loading limbs Hands /
Gabbard and Hart (1993) 4 vs. 5 vs. 6 years old children Yes Older faster than Younger Not found Sex Laterality Male = Female Right = Mixed = Left Not found Not found No interaction Age × Sex × Laterality Tapping on a pedal Foot /
Getchell (2006) 4 vs. 6 vs. 8 vs. 10 years old children vs. Adults Yes 4 faster than 6 = 8 =10 years old = Adults 4 = 6 = 8 = 10 years old less stable than Adults Dual task Single faster than Dual Dual less stable than Single No interaction Age × Dual task Striking cymbals Hands/forearms Other walking task (GAITRite)
Hammerschmidt et al. (2021) 7–49 years old Yes Younger faster than Older Not found Time of day Arousal Long-term stress Musical expertise Earlier slower than Later Very calm = Rather calm = Neutral = Rather excited = Very excited Low stress = Moderate stress = High stress Non-musicians slower than Musicians Not found Not found Not found Not found Not found Tapping on a keyboard key, or a mouse key, or a touchscreen of a tablet or a smartphone Finger Clusters analysis-based on SMT values
James et al. (2009) 6 vs. 10 years old children vs. Adults Yes 6 years old faster than Adults Younger less stable than Older Support for rocking Supported = Unsupported Significant effect (no other information) Interaction Age × Supported rocking on SMT and its stability: - When the feet were unsupported, only 6 year old were faster than Adults - Only 6 and 10 years old children are more stable with unsupported rocking. Body rocking Whole body /
McAuley et al. (2006) 4–5 vs. 6–7 vs. 8–9 vs. 10–12 years old children vs. 18–38 vs. 39–59 vs. 60–74 vs. 75+ years old adults Yes Younger faster than Older Not found / / / / Tapping on a copper plate Hand Correlation analysis
Monier and Droit-Volet (2018) 3 vs. 5 vs. 8 years old children vs. Adults Yes • In non-emotional context: 3 = 5 = 8 years old faster than Adults
• In emotional context: 3 = 5 = 8 years old faster than Adults
• In non-emotional context: 3 less stable than 5 less stable than 8 years old = Adults
• In emotional context: 3 less stable than 5 less stable than 8 years old less stable than Adults
• Emotional context
• Sex
• High-Arousal faster than Low-Arousal = Neutral
• Male = Female
• High-Arousal more stable than Low-Arousal = Neutral
• Male = Female
No interaction Age × Emotional context Tapping on a keyboard key Finger /
Monier and Droit-Volet (2019) 5 vs. 6 vs. 7 years old children Yes 5 = 6 = 7 years old 5 less stable than 6 less stable than 7 years old Trial measurement Trial 1 = Trial 2 = Trial 3 Trial 1 = Trial 2 = Trial 3 / Tapping on a keyboard key Finger Linear regression analysis for age
Provasi and Bobin-Bègue (2003) 2½ vs. 4 years old children vs. Adults Yes Younger faster than Adults Younger less stable than Older Sensorimotor synchronization task Pre faster than Post Pre = Post Not found Tapping on a computer screen Hand /
Rocha et al. (2020) 4–37 months old infants Yes Younger slower than Older Younger less stable than Older / / / / Drumming Hand Correlation analysis
Vanneste et al. (2001) 24–29 years old adults vs. 60–76 years old elderly Yes 24–29 faster than 60–76 years old 26 = 69 years old Session measurement Significant effect (no other information) Session 1 = Session 2 = Session 3 = Session 4 = Session 5 Interaction Age × Session measurement: - Session 1 slower than Session 2 = Session 3 = Session 4 = Session 5 in Younger. - Session 1 slower than Session 2 slower than Session 3 = Session 4 = Session 5 in Oldest. Tapping on a plastic block Hand /
Yu and Myowa (2021) 18 vs. 30 vs. 42 months old children No 18 = 30 = 42 years old Not found / / / / Drumming with a stick Hand/forearm /
3. Effector/side Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Byblow and Goodman (1994) Left vs. Right No (in both coordination modes) • Single rhythmic 1:1 coordination: Left = Right
• Polyrhythmic 2:1 coordination: Left = Right
• Single rhythmic 1:1 coordination: Left = Right
• Polyrhythmic 2:1 coordination: Left = Right
Session measurement • Single rhythmic 1:1 coordination: Session 1 = Session 2 = Session 3
• Polyrhythmic 2:1 coordination: Not found
• Single rhythmic 1:1 coordination: Session 1 = Session 2 = Session 3
• Polyrhythmic 2:1 coordination: Not found
Not found (for single and polyrhythmic coordination) • Single rhythmic 1:1 coordination
• Polyrhythmic 2:1 coordination
• Forearm
• Forearm
No comparison between the 2 modes of coordination
Getchell et al. (2001) Right finger tapping in-phase; right finger tapping antiphase; arms clapping alone; lead leg galloping alone; lead leg galloping with clapping; arms clapping with galloping; right leg crawling Tasks not compared Not found (tasks not compared) Not found (tasks not compared) / / / / • Tapping on a key
• Clapping
• Galloping
• Finger
• Arms
• Legs
Correlation analyses between tasks
Kay et al. (1987) Left vs. Right No • Single: Left = Right
• Bimanual: Left = Right in Mirror and Parallel
• Single: Left = Right
• Bimanual: Left = Right
• Mode of production
• Session measurement
• Single = Mirror faster than Parallel
• Session 1 = Session 2
• Single = Mirror = Parallel
• Session 1 = Session 2
Not found • Producing single flexion and extension
• Producing bimanual flexion and extension
• Wrist
• Wrist
/
Rose et al. (2021) Finger vs. Foot vs. Whole body No Finger = Foot = Whole body Not found Age Younger = Older Not found No interaction Effector × Age • Tapping on a stomp box
• Tapping on a stomp box
• Stepping on the spot
• Finger
• Foot
• Whole body
/
Sakamoto et al. (2007) Arm vs. Leg Yes Arms slower than Legs Not found / / / / • Pedaling
• Pedaling
• Arms
• Legs
/
Tomyta and Seki (2020) 1 Finger vs. 4 Fingers vs. Hand/Forearm No Not found 1 Finger = 4 Fingers = Hand/Forearm / / / / • Tapping on (a) keyboard key(s)
• Drumming with a stick
• Finger(s)
• Hand/ Forearm
/
Whitall et al. (1999) Left vs. Right No Left = Right Not found Mode of tapping In-phase faster than Anti-phase In-phase less stable than Anti-phase Not found Tapping on keyboard keys Fingers /
4. Expertise/predisposition Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Assaneo et al. (2021) High vs. Low synchronization skill Yes High faster than Low Not found / / / / Producing a syllable Mouth/lips /
Bégel et al. (2022c) Musicians vs. Non- musicians Yes Musicians = Non-musicians Musicians more stable than Non-musicians / / / / Tapping on a pad Finger /
Loehr and Palmer (2011) Musicians vs. Non- musicians No Musicians = Non- musicians Not found / / / / Playing (one hand) a melody on a piano Fingers /
Scheurich et al. (2018) Musicians vs. Non-musicians Yes Musicians slower than Non- musicians Musicians more stable than Non- musicians Trial measurement Trial 1 slower than Trial 2 and Trial 3 Trial 1 = Trial 2 = Trial 3 No interaction Musical expertise × Trial measurement Tapping a melody on one piano key Finger /
Scheurich et al. (2020) Musicians vs. Non- musicians (experiment 2) No Musicians = Non-musicians Not found Trial measurement Trial 1 slower than Trial 2 slower than Trial 3 Not found No interaction Musical expertise × Trial measurement Tapping on a force sensitive resistor Finger Percussionists excluded
Slater et al. (2018) Musicians vs. Non- musicians Yes Not found Musicians more stable than Non-musicians / / / / Drumming Hand Percussionists
Tranchant et al. (2016) High vs. Low synchronization skill Yes • Bouncing: High = Low synchronization skill
• Clapping: High = Low synchronization skill
• Bouncing: High more stable than Low synchronization skill
• Clapping: High = Low synchronization skill
Type of task • In High synchronization skill: Clapping faster than Bouncing
• In Low synchronization skill: Not found
• In High synchronization skill: Clapping more stable than Bouncing
• In Low synchronization skill: Not found
/ • Bouncing
• Clapping
• Whole body
• Hands
/
5. Genotype Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Suzuki and Ando (2018) Monozygotic vs. Dizygotic twins No Monozygotic = Dizygotic Monozygotic = Dizygotic Sex Male = Female Male = Female Not found Striking cymbals Forearms/ Hands Significant correlation between the tempo level of each Monozygotic twin but not between each Dizygotic twins
Wiener et al. (2011) A1+ vs. A1- polymorphism Val/Val vs. Met+ polymorphism • Yes
• No
A1+ slower than A1 - Val/Val = Met+ A1+ = A1 - Val/Val = Met+ / / / / Tapping on a keyboard key Not found Subgroups of polymorphism [DRD2/ANKK1-Taq1a (A1–, A1+); COMT Val158Met (Val/Val, Met+); BDNF Val66Met (Val/Val, Met+)]
II. Intrinsic factors
1. Physical training Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Byblow et al. (1994) Pre vs. Post sensorimotor synchronization Yes Pre slower than Post Not found Mode of coordination Side Not found Not found Not found Not found Not found Producing pronation and supination coordination Forearms /
Carson et al. (1999) Pre vs. Post sensorimotor synchronization Yes Pre slower than Post Pre = Post Weighted coordination Side Mode of coordination Heavy weight slower than No weight = Light weight Right slower than Left In-phase slower than Anti-phase Heavy = No weight = Light weight Right = Left In-phase = Anti-phase Not found Coordinating flexing and extending elbow and wrist joints Arm /
Collyer et al. (1994) Pre vs. Post sensorimotor synchronization No Pre = Post Not found Trial measurement Session Pre: Trial 1 slower than Trial 2 = Trial 3 Post: Trial 1 slower than Trial 2 = Trial 3 Session 1 = Session 2 = Session 3 = Session 4 = Session 5 = Session 6 = Session 7 = Session 8 Not found Not found Not found Tapping on a plastic box Finger /
Dosseville et al. (2002) Pre vs. Post physical exercise of pedaling Yes Pre slower than Post Not found Trial measurement Time of day Pre: Trial 1 = Trial 2 = Trial 3 = Trial 4 Post: Trial 1 = Trial 3 6 pm faster than 6 am, 10 am and 10 pm//6 am slower than 2 pm Not found Not found Not found Tapping on a table Finger /
Hansen et al. (2021) Cadence of physical training: 50 rpm vs. 90 rpm vs. Freely chosen Yes 50 rpm slower than Freely chosen 90 rpm faster than Freely chosen Not found / / / / Pedaling Legs /
Robles-García et al. (2016) Pre vs. Post vs. 2 weeks Post imitation and motor practice vs. Motor practice alone in elderly with Parkinson's disease No Pre = Post = 2 weeks Post Pre = Post = 2 weeks Post Type of physical training Laterality Imitation and motor practice = Motor practice alone Not found Imitation and motor practice = Motor practice alone In Pre physical training: Dominant more stable than Non-dominant hand No interaction Training × Type of physical training Tapping Finger /
Rocha et al. (2021) Pre vs. Post passive walking in non-walking infants Yes Pre = Post Not found Passive walking frequency Fast = Slow Not found Interaction Training × Passive walking frequency: - Infant SMT in the Fast walking frequency became faster from pre to post training. - Infant SMT in the Slow condition became slower from pre to post training. Drumming Hands /
Sardroodian et al. (2014) Pre vs. Post 4 weeks of heavy strength training No Pre = Post Not found / / / / Pedaling Legs /
Turgeon and Wing (2012) Pre vs. Post sensorimotor synchronization and continuation No Pre = Post Pre = Post Age Younger faster than Older Younger more stable than Older Not found Tapping on a mouse key Finger Linear regression analysis for age
Zamm et al. (2018) Pre vs. Post faster or slower sensorimotor synchronization No Pre = Post Not found Time of day Age Sex Earlier = Later Younger = Older Not found Not found Not found Not found Not found Not found Not found Playing a melody on a piano Fingers Pianists Correlation analysis for age
Bouvet et al. (2019) Ascending vs. Descending rhythmic stimuli (listening while trying not to synchronize) vs. Without rhythmic stimuli Yes Ascending faster than Descending rhythmic stimuli and Without rhythmic stimuli Ascending stimulus less stable than Descending and Without rhythmic stimuli Time of testing Significant effect (no other information) Significant effect (no other information) Interaction Value modulation of stimuli time intervals × Time of testing: - Ascending more stable than Without rhythmic stimuli at the beginning of testing. - Ascending and Descending more stable than Without rhythmic stimuli at the end of testing. Air tapping task (flexion and extension) Finger /
2. External constraints Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Bouvet et al. (2020) One vs. Two vs. Three times the spontaneous motor tempo value as time intervals between stimuli (listening while trying not to synchronize) Yes One faster than Two and Three times the spontaneous motor value One = Two = Three times the spontaneous motor value Accentuation pattern Session Trial measurement Unaccented = Binary accented = Ternary accented Session 1 = Session 2 Trial 1 = Trial 2 = Trial 3 Unaccented = Binary accented = Ternary accented Session 1 = Session 2 Trial 1 = Trial 2 = Trial 3 • No interaction Value of stimuli time intervals × Accentuation pattern
• No interaction Session × Trial measurement
Air tapping task (flexion and extension) Finger /
Hansen and Ohnstad (2008) 200 m real vs. 3,000 m simulated altitude with loading on the cardiopulmonary system (experiment 1) No 173 W at 200 m real = 173 W at 3,000 m simulated = 224 W at 200 m real Not found / / / / Pedaling Legs /
Hatsopoulos and Warren (1996) 0 kg vs. 2.27 kg vs. 4.55 kg external added mass Yes 0 kg faster than 2.27 kg faster than 4.55 kg Not found Session External spring stiffness Session 1 = Session 2 0 N/m slower than 47.34 N/m slower than 94.68 N/m slower than 142.02 N/m Not found Not found Interaction External added mass × External spring stiffness (no more information) Arms swinging Arms /
Sofianidis et al. (2012) No contact vs. Fingertip contact Yes No contact slower than Fingertip contact Not found Dance expertise Expert dancers = Novice dancers Not found No interaction Contact interaction × Dance expertise Body rocking Whole body /
Verzini de Romera (1989) Quiet vs. Noisy environment Yes Noisy environment faster than Quiet Not found / / / / Not found Not found /
Wagener and Colebatch (1997) 0.35 Nm vs. 0.18 Nm vs. 0.26 Nm extension vs. 0.09 Nm vs. 0.18 Nm flexion torque load vs. without external load No 0.35 Nm = 0.18 Nm = 0.26 Nm extension = 0.09 Nm = 0.18 Nm flexion = Without external load Not found / / / / Flexion and extension Wrist /
3. Observation training Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Aridan and Mukamel (2016) Pre vs. Post passive observation of a rhythmic action Yes Pre slower than Post (only in subjects with “slower” spontaneous motor tempo at Pre training) Not found / / / / Tapping on keys Fingers Subgroups of spontaneous motor tempo profile in Pre training: Slow (slowest spontaneous motor tempo) vs. Fast (fastest spontaneous motor tempo)
Avanzino et al. (2015) Pre vs. Post passive observation combined with Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Not found Not found Not found Type of observation training (Passive observation of a rhythmic action vs. Passive observation of a landscape) Not found Not found Interaction Passive observation training × Type of observation: Pre slower than Post only for Passive observation of a rhythmic action. Performing an opposition sequence Fingers /
Bisio et al. (2015) Pre vs. Post passive observation of a rhythmic action Not found Not found Not found Type of observation training (Passive observation of a rhythmic action vs. Passive observation of a rhythmic action combined with peripherical nerve stimulation vs. Peripherical nerve stimulation vs. Passive observation of a landscape) Not found Not found Interaction Passive observation training × Type of observation: Pre slower than Post only for Passive observation of a rhythmic action combined with peripherical nerve stimulation. Performing an opposition sequence Fingers /
Bove et al. (2009) Pre vs. Post passive observation of a rhythmic action (after 45 min and 2 days) No Pre = Post 45 min = Post 2 days Not found Instruction Type of passive observation Not found Not found Not found 1 Hz more stable than 3 Hz rhythmic action and Landscape • Interaction Type of Passive observation × Instruction: With instruction faster than without instruction only for passive observation of a 3 Hz rhythmic action.
• Interaction Pre-Post × Type of observation: Pre less stable than Post only for passive observation of a 3 Hz rhythmic action
Performing an opposition sequence Fingers /
Lagravinese et al. (2017) Type of passive observation: Passive observation of a rhythmic action vs. Passive observation of a metronome Not found Not found Not found Session In Pre training: Session 1 slower than Session 2 slower than Session 3 = Session 4 = Session 5 Significant effect (no other information) Interaction Type of passive observation × Session: - Day 5 faster than Day 1 only for Passive observation of a rhythmic action. - Day 5 more stable than Day 1 only for Passive observation of a metronome. Performing an opposition sequence Fingers /
4. Time of testing Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Hansen and Ohnstad (2008) Week 1 from Week 12 (experiment 2) No • Pedaling: No change across Weeks
• Tapping: No change across Weeks
• Pedaling: Not found
• Tapping: Not found
/ / / / • Pedaling
• Tapping on a pad
• Legs
• Finger
/
Moussay et al. (2002) 6 am vs. 10 am vs. 2 pm vs. 6 pm vs. 10 pm Yes • Tapping: 6 am slower than 6 pm//6 pm faster than 10 pm
• Pedaling: 6 am slower than 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, and 10 pm
• Tapping: Not found
• Pedaling: Not found
/ / / / • Tapping on a table
• Pedaling
• Finger
• Legs
Cyclists
Oléron et al. (1970) Wake-up vs. Morning vs. Midday vs. Early afternoon after nap vs. Middle afternoon vs. Evening vs. Bed time Yes Wake-up slower than Morning Not found Staying in a cave Beginning of staying in a cave slower than Ending of staying in a cave (linked to circadian rhythm modification) Not found Not found Tapping on a Morse key Finger Significant effect only reported between Wake up and Morning
Schwartze and Kotz (2015) Time 1 (Target) vs. Time 2 (Control) Yes Time 1 (Target) = Time 2 (Control) Time 1 (Target) more stable than Time 2 (Control) Age Younger = Older Younger = Older Not found Tapping on a pad Finger Correlation analysis for age
Wright and Palmer (2020) 9 am vs. 1 pm vs. 5 pm vs. 9 pm Yes 9 am slower than 1 pm, 5 pm and 9 pm//1 pm slower than 9 pm 9 am less stable than 5 pm and 9 pm//1 am less stable than 9 pm Familiar melody Familiar slower than Unfamiliar Familiar more stable than Unfamiliar No interaction Time of testing × Familial melody Playing (one hand) a melody on a piano Fingers Pianists
5. Internal state Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Boulanger et al. (2020) Increasing vs. Decreasing gravity Yes (but descriptive data) Larger linear relationship with gravity in Increasing gravity than in Decreasing gravity (higher energetic cost in high gravity for a given change in frequency) Not found Session Session 1 = Session 2 Not found Not found Performing upper arm movements Arm Mathematical data representing spontaneous motor tempo
Dosseville and LaRue (2002) Apnea vs. No apnea Yes Apnea slower than No apnea Not found / / / / Tapping on a metal plate Finger /
Murata et al. (1999) Mental stress vs. No mental stress Yes Mental stress faster than No mental stress Mental stress less stable than No mental stress Trial measurement (3 Trials with Mental stress) Not found Not found Not found Tapping a key Finger /
6. Type of task Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Forrester and Whitall (2000) In-phase vs. Anti-phase Yes In-phase faster than Anti-phase In-phase = Anti-phase Fingers pairing Index only slower than Middle only Index only = Middle only = Index + Middle No interaction Type of task × Fingers pairing Bimanual tapping on keys Fingers /
Pfordresher et al. (2021) Finger tapping vs. Playing a melody vs. Reciting a sentence (experiment 1) Yes Finger tapping slower than Playing a melody slower than Reciting a sentence (experiment 1) Reciting a sentence more stable than Playing a melody and Finger tapping (experiment 1) / / / / • Playing (one hand) a melody on a piano
• Tapping on a piano key
• Reciting a sentence
• Fingers
• Finger
• Mouth/lips
Correlations analyses on consistency across trials
Playing a melody vs. Reciting a sentence (experiment 2) Yes Playing a melody slower than Reciting a sentence (experiment 2) Reciting a sentence more stable than Playing a melody (experiment 2)
Scheurich et al. (2018) Tapping a melody vs. Playing a melody (experiment 1) No Tapping a melody = Playing a melody Not found Trial measurement Trial 1 slower than Trial 2 slower than Trial 3 Not found No interaction Type of task × Trial measurement • Tapping a melody on one piano key
• Playing (one hand) a melody on a piano
• Finger
• Fingers
Correlations analyses on consistency across melodies
Tajima and Choshi (1999) Polyrhythmic vs. Single rhythmic task Yes • Left hand: Polyrhythmic slower than Single rhythmic task (Trial 1, 2 and 3)
• Right hand: Polyrhythmic slower than Single rhythmic task (Trial 1 and 2)
• Left hand: Polyrhythmic less stable than Single rhythmic task (Trial 1 and 2)
• Right hand: Polyrhythmic less stable slower than Single rhythmic task (Trial 1, 2 and 3)
Sex Male = Female Male = Female Not found Tapping on Morse keys Fingers Differences reported separately for the right and the left hands and across trials
Zelaznik et al. (2000) Tapping vs. Drawing Yes Tapping faster than Drawing Drawing more stable than Tapping / / / / • Tapping on a desk
• Drawing a circle on a paper
• Finger
• Fingers/Wrist
/
7. Dual task Significance Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Other factor(s) Direction of the effect (on mean or median of SMT) Direction of the effect (on the SD or Coefficient of variation of SMT) Interaction Task(s) Effector(s) Other information
Aubin et al. (2021) Selective vs. Divided vs. Sustained attentional conditions No Selective = Divided = Sustained Selective = Divided = Sustained / / / / Legs swinging Legs Dual task
Serrien (2009) Single motor task vs. Dual motor and verbal counting task Not found Not found Not found Side (Left vs. Right vs. Bimanual) Not found Not found Interaction Dual task × Side: In Bimanual mode, Dual slower than Single Tapping on a keyboard Finger(s) /

Summarized results of studies investigating the effects of factors on the SMT values (N = 94).

Factors are classified as intrinsic and extrinsic. Significance is reported as YES if one of the dependent variables (mean, median, standard deviation, or coefficient of variation of SMT) is significantly different between modalities of the main factor studied. The effectors used to perform the task are reported. Other information is reported if mentioned in the studies, particularly the effects of other secondary factors or interactions. The directions of effects of the main and other factors on the dependent variable(s) are reported. The directions of effects are reported as Not found when no statistics were performed on the dependent variable, when the dependent variable was not studied, or when the direction of the effect or the interaction was not explicitly reported.

The number of studies exploring the SMT across years is presented in Figure 2.

Figure 2

Figure 2

Number of studies exploring the SMT across years.

4. Discussion

The present systematic review aimed to (1) characterize the range of SMT values found in the literature in healthy human adults and (2) identify all the factors modulating the SMT values in humans.

First, it is interesting to note that the global number of studies has grown since the early 1970's (Figure 2). The increase in studies about SMT actually started in the mid-1990's and has grown non-linearly to reach a peak in 2020. Thus, interest in SMT is old but has recently increased.

Second, our results highlight that (1) the reference value of SMT is far from being a common value of 600 ms in healthy human adults, but a range of SMT values exists and (2) many factors modulate the SMT values. We discuss these factors according to a classification as intrinsic factors, in relation to personal characteristics, and extrinsic factors, in relation to environmental characteristics. We also provide recommendations to measure, report, and use the SMT values for future studies on rhythmic production and perception.

4.1. Range of SMT values in healthy human adults

Regarding the range of SMT values, we have selected the studies that propose an SMT task as a baseline, followed by a second task that is usually a sensorimotor synchronization task, without comparison between factors or conditions (Table 3). However, no value of SMT is reported in some studies (N = 2/13). Hence, it is important to measure the SMT as a baseline before any rhythmic task and to report the SMT values in order to interpret the results with regard to this baseline.

The number of studies measuring the SMT as a baseline for a rhythmic task (to adjust the tempo of the rhythmic task) is rather low (Table 3), compared to those testing the effects of variables on the SMT values (Table 4). This may be due to the fact that the terminology used to designate the spontaneous motor tempo is heterogeneous. Although the SMT was clearly defined by Fraisse (1974) as the speed that the subject considers most natural and pleasant (p. 50), this terminology is not unanimous. Although some authors use the term “spontaneous motor tempo” (Drake et al., 2000; McPherson et al., 2018; Amrani and Golumbic, 2020), others use different terms, such as “preferred motor tempo” (Michaelis et al., 2014), “preferred rate” (McCombe Waller and Whitall, 2004), “preferred frequency” (Volman et al., 2006; Bouvet et al., 2020), “internal clock” (Yahalom et al., 2004), “spontaneous production rate” (Wright and Palmer, 2020), “motor spontaneous tempo” (Dosseville and LaRue, 2002; Moussay et al., 2002), “spontaneous movement tempo” (Avanzino et al., 2015; Bisio et al., 2015), “freely chosen cadence” (Sidhu and Lauber, 2020; Hansen et al., 2021), or “personal tempo” (Tajima and Choshi, 1999). In the same vein, the term “self-paced” is not used with a consensual definition. Sometimes, this term relates to an intentional spontaneous motor behavior without a rhythmic component, even if authors use the term “self-paced tapping” (e.g., Bichsel et al., 2018, not included in the present review), and sometimes it relates to an intentional spontaneous rhythmic motor behavior when “self-paced” is followed by “tempo” (Serrien, 2009; Hattori et al., 2015). For future studies measuring the SMT, we recommend using the terminology “spontaneous motor tempo” when the participant is invited to produce a rhythmic motor task not induced by external stimuli specifying a required tempo. The term “spontaneous motor tempo” should be preferred to the term “self-paced” to define the task. To increase the visibility of studies implying SMT, the term “spontaneous motor tempo” and its acronym “SMT” should appear in the title or keywords of the articles.

The tasks used to measure the SMT are also very heterogeneous. Even if Fraisse (1974) declared that SMT is commonly measured during a manual task (Fraisse, 1974), our results reveal that studies exploring SMT also measure other effectors apart from manual ones. Some studies use self-paced tapping with one or two effectors; others use drumming, hopping, pointing, cycling, swaying, and producing syllables; and another uses jaw opening-closing and chewing (Table 3). Regarding the SMT values, participants seem to be slower when the whole body or the jaw is required, compared to manual responses. Thus, the heterogeneity of effectors (finger, arm, leg, whole body, mouth/lips, and jaw) used to produce the SMT could explain the heterogeneity of results. This hypothesis could be in accordance with the results of Sakamoto et al. (2007), highlighting that the SMT is effector-dependent (Sakamoto et al., 2007), but we recommend to carry out further studies to test the impact of effectors on SMT.

The range of SMT values (from 333 to 3,160 ms) is far from being a common value of 600 ms, as first reported by Fraisse (1974). More specifically, it is important to note that studies reporting the slowest SMT values involve cyclical movements compared to the discrete isochronous movements of tapping or clapping. Regarding finger tapping, SMT appears to be faster (from 333 to 931 ms). Bouvet et al. (2020), who investigate the effect of accents and subdivisions in synchronization, performed a measurement of SMT during finger-tapping with a large number of taps in several trials. They also find a faster value around 650 ms. The heterogeneity of results can be explained by the heterogeneity in the paradigm applied to measure the SMT in the studies. We provide such examples in the following paragraphs.

First, the characteristics of participants are not homogeneously reported, particularly their level of musical experience. In some studies listed in Table 3, authors report that participants have no musical training. Note that some studies mix musicians and non-musicians in their samples (e.g., Michaelis et al., 2014; De Pretto et al., 2018). However, three studies reported in Table 4 show an effect of music expertise (Drake et al., 2000; Slater et al., 2018; Hammerschmidt et al., 2021). Information about musical expertise is particularly important, including the expertise of listening to music, given that it is possible that participants could present amusia or a deficit in rhythm production or perception (Stewart et al., 2006; Clark et al., 2015; Peretz, 2016; Sarasso et al., 2022). To have a better overview of the range of SMT values in healthy adults without musical expertise, we recommend reporting a general level of musical experience, that is, both the level of expertise in music/rhythm production and music/rhythm exposure.

Second, the characteristics of participants are also heterogeneous across studies in terms of age, sex, and laterality. Regarding the age, participants are from 18 to 45 years old (Table 1). Despite the fact that the age range is representative of healthy young adults, the range of SMT values varies in five studies about manual responses from 333 to 1,100 ms (Michaelis et al., 2014; De Pretto et al., 2018; McPherson et al., 2018; Zhao et al., 2020). Regarding the sex repartition, only two studies recruit an equal number of women and men (Michaelis et al., 2014; De Pretto et al., 2018); the others recruit either more women or more men. As reported in Table 4, the effect of sex on SMT has not been extensively studied, given that only one study addresses this question and reports no significant results (Suzuki and Ando, 2018). Regarding the laterality, the majority of studies do not report the laterality of participants (Table 3, N = 8/13). The other studies generally recruit right-handed participants (Table 3, N = 3/5). Some studies include one or two left-handed participants (Table 3, N = 2/5). In Table 4, no study investigates the effect of laterality on the SMT values. In the absence of clear results about laterality, we recommend specifying the laterality of the participants by means of a laterality questionnaire (e.g., Oldfield, 1971) in the case of a SMT task performed with a lateralized effector (hand or leg). More globally, to have a better overview of the range of SMT values in healthy adults, we recommend reporting the age, sex, and laterality of participants and specifying, if possible, whether the SMT differs according to these variables.

Third, how the SMT is measured is not consistent across studies (Table 3). As specified in Table 3, SMT paradigms differ according to the number of trials and their duration, as well as to the instructions provided to the participants. The number and duration of trials vary across studies. Globally, the number of trials is from 1 to 10, and the duration of each trial can be expressed as a range of time (seconds or minutes), a number of responses, or a number of inter-response intervals (Table 3). Two studies do not report any information about trials (Ruspantini et al., 2012; Malcolm et al., 2018). Regarding the instructions, it is important to note that the instructions are not reported in three out of 13 studies (Eriksson et al., 2000; Hattori et al., 2015; Malcolm et al., 2018). When reported, the instructions contain the terms “natural,” “comfortable,” “most comfortable,” “naturally comfortable,” “preferred,” “steady,” “freely chosen,” “own self-selected,” “spontaneously,” “without mental effort,” “do not require much awareness,” “without fatigue,” and “could be performed all day if necessary,” to characterize the manner to produce the SMT (Table 3). Moreover, the tempo itself is characterized as “tempo,” “pace,” “cadence,” “speed,” “rate,” and “frequency.” Even if these terms are supposed to represent the same instruction, we would like to emphasize that the semantics is not a detail. The instruction can modify the participant's behavior depending on the interpretation he/she makes of it. For example, the term “speed” can be interpreted by participants as an instruction to go fast. Thus, to have a better overview of the range of SMT values in healthy adults, we recommend reporting exactly and exhaustively the standardized instructions given to participants. More precisely, we recommend giving priority to the notions of “preferred,” “spontaneous,” and “comfortable tempo,” in the instructions given to the participant. It seems important to avoid the notion of “speed” in order not to induce the idea of performing the task as quickly as possible.

Fourth, how SMT is recorded and computed is not consistent. Regarding the measurement recordings, authors report the inter-response interval, frequency, number of movement cycles during the total duration of the trial, rate, cycle time, speed, or cadence. If reported, the values also have different units (milliseconds, seconds, beats per minute, Hertz, repetitions per minute, or kilometers per hour). Furthermore, the authors usually report the range of SMT values, the SMT mean and/or median, its standard deviation, and/or the coefficient of variation (Table 3). These discrepancies are probably due to the type of task used. Only two studies recording SMT do not report any value for SMT (LaGasse, 2013; Zhao et al., 2017). On this basis, we recommend reporting the SMT values when recorded and homogenizing the measurement recording, the variables, and their units (in milliseconds or Hz). It is, therefore, necessary to report, at least, the SMT values with the median and the range of SMT values with a box plot representing individual values to get access to the distribution of data with the minimal and maximal values. It is also important to specify the methodology to compute the SMT, in particular to report excluded data, for example, the first responses that were performed by the participants, which can be considered warm-up.

4.2. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors modulating SMT values

Table 4 summarizes the results of studies about factors that could modulate the SMT values. We classified these factors as intrinsic and extrinsic ones, i.e., factors that could explain inter- and intra-individual variability in SMT values. Figure 3 presents the repartition of studies about the factors modulating the SMT values according to the intrinsic factors (N = 59) and the extrinsic factors (N = 36).

Figure 3

Figure 3

Repartition of studies on the factors modulating the SMT values (N = 94) according to intrinsic factors (N = 59) and extrinsic factors (N = 36).

Regarding the intrinsic factors, our results reveal that the SMT is affected by several factors such as pathology, age, effector, expertise, or genotype (see Table 4). First, our results reveal that several pathologies modify the SMT values. Studies investigate brain lesions (six on Parkinson's, four on stroke, one on Huntington disease, one on Alzheimer's disease, one on Whiplash, and two on cerebellar lesions), neurodevelopmental disorders (two on attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, two on developmental coordination disorder, one on developmental intellectual deficit, one on stuttering, and one on minor neurological dysfunction), and mental disorders (two on schizophrenia). Two studies test the effects of a deficit in music perception (beat deafness, i.e., difficulties in tracking or moving to a beat), and only one study examines the effect of an amputation. Globally, our results show that the most studied pathologies are brain lesions. Results indicate quasi-unanimously that SMT is affected by brain lesions (Table 4, N = 12/15). Studies report that either the frequency or the stability of the SMT differs in brain-injured patients compared to controls. In brain lesions, neurodegenerative disorders are the most studied, such as Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases (both implying a lesion of the basal ganglia) or Alzheimer's disease. Studies on Parkinson's disease report quasi-consistently that SMT is significantly affected in patients compared to healthy elderly individuals (Table 4, N = 5/6), and the study on Huntington's disease reports the same effect (Martínez Pueyo et al., 2016). The only study on Alzheimer's disease does not report any difference between patients and healthy elderly individuals (Martin et al., 2017). Moreover, most of the studies report that SMT is significantly affected in patients with stroke compared to healthy adults (Table 4, N = 3/4). In contrast, results are less consistent for neurodevelopmental and mental disorders. Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder seems to affect the SMT (Table 4, N = 2/2), as does developmental coordination disorder (Table 4, N = 2/2). Only two studies report the effects of beat deafness with no consistent results (Phillips-Silver et al., 2011; Palmer et al., 2014). Based on these results, it is interesting to note that the SMT is affected regardless of the location of the lesion (motor cortex, language areas, basal ganglia, or cerebellum) and regardless of the physiopathology (neurodegenerative vs. neurological vs. neurodevelopmental). Although it seems more likely that focal lesions affect the SMT, future studies are required to better understand if and how the SMT is affected by neurodevelopmental, mental, and sensory disorders.

A second factor modulating the SMT is age. Studies investigate mostly infants (Table 4, N = 14/16). Only three studies investigate the elderly (Vanneste et al., 2001; Baudouin et al., 2004; McAuley et al., 2006). Our results reveal that age modifies the value of the SMT in the majority of studies (Table 4, N = 11/14). In fact, only three out of 14 studies do not find an effect of age in infants or children (Droit et al., 1996; Fitzpatrick et al., 1996; Yu and Myowa, 2021). It is interesting to note that only two studies test the possible effects of age on the SMT in individuals between 18 and 60 years old (McAuley et al., 2006; Hammerschmidt et al., 2021). Anyway, our results suggest that future studies about the SMT should take into account the effect of age bands or include the age of participants as a covariate, especially if participants are infants or elderly individuals.

A third intrinsic factor modulating the SMT is the effector/side used to produce the task. Results are very contradictory, with one study revealing an effect of the effector (Sakamoto et al., 2007) and two studies failing to reveal this effect (Tomyta and Seki, 2020; Rose et al., 2021). It seems that there is no effect of the side of the hand producing the SMT (Kay et al., 1987; Byblow and Goodman, 1994; Whitall et al., 1999). Moreover, it is also possible that SMT differs when it is produced with arms and legs (Sakamoto et al., 2007). Finally, the study of Getchell et al. (2001) reveals a correlation between SMT produced by different effectors. This result suggests that individuals have a general ability to produce their own SMT regardless of the type and number of effectors used (Getchell et al., 2001). Given that only one study reports this finding, further studies are required to confirm this effect.

As previously discussed above, expertise in music seems to modify the SMT. Musicians seem to have a more stable SMT than non-musicians (Scheurich et al., 2018; Slater et al., 2018; Bégel et al., 2022c). Moreover, two studies suggest that a predisposition to high or low synchronization (i.e., good or poor synchronization skills in rhythmic synchronization tasks) alters the SMT (Tranchant et al., 2016; Assaneo et al., 2021). Even if long-lasting intensive training could modify the SMT in certain conditions, it seems that intrinsic predispositions could be important. This result is in accordance with the last intrinsic factor identified in the current literature review, namely, the genotype. Two studies focus on this factor (Wiener et al., 2011; Suzuki and Ando, 2018). The first study finds a significant correlation between the tempo level in monozygotic twins but not in dizygotic twins, thereby suggesting that the genetic code could have a role in the SMT values (Suzuki and Ando, 2018). However, no difference between women and men is found, thereby preventing the possible role of sex on the SMT values (Suzuki and Ando, 2018). The second study reveals a significant effect of a polymorphism (Wiener et al., 2011). If we consider that one polymorphism (A1+) seems implied in the regulation of the density of receptors in the striatum (see Wiener et al., 2011), this result is in accordance with the results of studies showing an effect of Parkinson's disease, which affects the striatum, on the SMT (Konczak et al., 1997; Byblow et al., 2002; Flasskamp et al., 2012; Rose et al., 2020; Horin et al., 2021). Even if further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis, there is evidence that the genotype plays a role in the SMT values.

Regarding the extrinsic factors, our results highlight that the SMT is affected by several factors such as physical training, external constraints, observation training, time of testing, type of task, or dual tasking (see Table 4).

In total, 10 studies report results about the effects of physical training on the SMT. Six studies reveal a significant effect of cycling, strength training, synchronization, or physical exercise on the SMT values measured before and after training (Table 4). This result suggests that all studies about SMT should report the activity preceding the measurement of the SMT, especially physical activity.

In the same vein, all the studies (N = 5) testing the effects of the observation of a rhythmic action on the SMT found a significant effect (see Table 4). This result indicates that observing a rhythmic action without moving or synchronizing with it induces a spontaneous change in the SMT. This result is in accordance with the results of studies about the effects of physical training with rhythmic stimuli (Byblow et al., 1994; Carson et al., 1999; Hansen et al., 2021; Rocha et al., 2021). They are also in accordance with results about the effect of external constraints that show a significant effect of producing SMT while listening to a rhythmic metronome without synchronizing (Bouvet et al., 2019). The effect of observation or listening could be related to the implication of the Mirror System that is activated during observation, listening, and action (Kohler et al., 2002; Rizzolatti and Craighero, 2004). More precisely, it is possible that observing/listening a rhythm activates the same cerebral areas (i.e., the fronto-parietal system) as synchronizing to rhythmic stimuli (Konoike and Nakamura, 2020), hence modifying the SMT values according to the observed/listened tempo.

Regarding the effect of a dual task on the SMT, only one of the two studies reports a significant difference in the SMT during a single vs. dual task (Serrien, 2009). In the other study (Aubin et al., 2021), participants were instructed to swing their legs at their preferred frequency while performing a secondary task (reaction times), but no significant effect of the dual task was found. The discrepancy of results between the two studies could be explained by the fact that the secondary task is not rhythmic in Aubin et al. (2021), whereas the secondary task implies a rhythmic component in Serrien (2009). This hypothesis is in accordance with the results of studies examining the effects of rhythmic external constraints (Bouvet et al., 2019, 2020). We could deduce that the SMT is robust to a general cognitive load but can be impacted by external rhythmic stimulation. Hence, we can recommend not to perform a rhythmic task before or during the production of a task assessing SMT because it can change the SMT values.

Regarding the external constraints, most studies (N = 5/7) report consistent results about the significant effects of external constraints, such as a noisy environment, the presence of fingertip contacts, or a varying spring constraint on the SMT values (Table 4). However, the effect of loading is not consistent (Hatsopoulos and Warren, 1996; Wagener and Colebatch, 1997; Hansen and Ohnstad, 2008).

The type of task seems to quasi-consistently modulate the SMT values in four out of five studies (Table 4). Specifically, results indicate that the SMT is affected by in-phase or anti-phase bimanual tapping, polyrhythmic or single rhythmic tapping, and by tapping, drawing, playing a melody, or reciting a sentence (Tajima and Choshi, 1999; Forrester and Whitall, 2000; Zelaznik et al., 2000; Pfordresher et al., 2021).

The internal state seems to modulate the SMT values as well (Table 4). Three out of 3 studies report an effect of the internal state, such as apnea, mental stress, and gravity on the SMT values (Murata et al., 1999; Dosseville and LaRue, 2002; Boulanger et al., 2020). Once again, these results indicate that the SMT is not robust and that intra-individual variability exists. In the same vein, the time of testing seems to have an effect on the SMT values (Table 4). More precisely, studies unanimously report an effect of the time of day on the SMT values (Oléron et al., 1970; Dosseville et al., 2002; Moussay et al., 2002; Wright and Palmer, 2020). It seems that the SMT values vary in the course of the day, being slower in the morning than in the evening (Moussay et al., 2002; Wright and Palmer, 2020). As for the effect of internal state mentioned above, this effect may be related to the circadian variations of internal physiological and psychological factors, such as hormones or fatigue. Anyway, it is important to interpret this result in relation to the results of many studies that have shown an effect of trial measurement (Collyer et al., 1994; Drake et al., 2000; Scheurich et al., 2018, 2020; Bouvet et al., 2019).

5. Conclusion and perspectives

All in all, our systematic review highlights large intra- and inter-individual variability in the SMT values. According to the internal clock model (Treisman, 1963), individuals have an internal clock that is a reference generating time information, used to perceive information, and to produce and reproduce behaviors. Each individual has his/her own internal clock, leading to strong intra-individual consistency, but individual preferences exist in the production and perception of rhythms. Moreover, the internal clock can be affected by many intrinsic and extrinsic factors. We hope that the current review will lead to a better choice of reference values for SMT. We have proposed specific recommendations and points of vigilance to assess the SMT in future research.

Our results could also be transferred to applied contexts related to rehabilitative, educative, and sport interventions involving rhythmic sensorimotor synchronization. For example, dance can be viewed as a rhythmic activity in which individuals have to learn a choreography in synchrony with rhythmic stimuli provided by music and partners. Irrespective of the context (e.g., rehabilitation, education, and sport), current studies recommend individualizing music-based rhythmic cueing to induce motor improvement (Dalla Bella et al., 2018). Given that performance in synchronization-continuation tasks is improved when the tempo of stimuli is closest to the SMT (Delevoye-Turrell et al., 2014) and that the SMT seems to predict performance in externally paced tasks such as sensorimotor synchronization (McPherson et al., 2018), the choice of the tempo of the music should be carefully determined to correspond to the SMT. However, our systematic review highlights that the SMT is not a fixed and universal value but rather a range of values, so it should be measured just before intervention to provide a reference at the time of the intervention, considering the effectors used to produce the task and the current conditions. Accordingly, the measurement of SMT should be explicitly and exhaustively described to interpret the value obtained (including the instructions provided to measure the SMT). To consider the large intra-individual variability of the SMT, we advise performing more than a single trial per participant to measure the SMT. In line with the recommendation of Amrani and Golumbic (2020), SMT consistency should be measured within a trial, within a session, and across sessions (Amrani and Golumbic, 2020). Finally, it could be interesting to conduct a similar systematic review on the preferred perceived tempo (PPT), which can be measured either as the chosen tempo among several tempi (Baruch et al., 2004; Bauer et al., 2015) or from a dynamic tempo adjustment (speed up or slow down) of a rhythmic metronome until individuals reach their preferred tempo (e.g., Amrani and Golumbic, 2020; Hine et al., 2022). Given the possible relationship between the SMT and the preferred music tempo (e.g., Hine et al., 2022), it is possible that a common tempo for motor and perceived preferences exists. In the case of a common internal clock, we could expect that similar factors affect the SMT and the PPT.

Interdisciplinary implications extend to the field of rehabilitative, educative, and sport interventions involving rhythmic sensorimotor synchronization. Indeed, studies have highlighted the strong role of rhythm in engagement, motivation, and pleasure in performing physical activities. In the context of sport performance, music—through its intrinsic qualities, such as rhythm and particularly its tempo—is known to promote engagement and involvement in a physical activity or sport (Karageorghis et al., 2021). For example, synchronization with music during endurance-based activities (treadmill running tasks) allows for increased time spent practicing (Terry et al., 2012). More globally, results from a meta-analytic review support “the use of music listening across a range of physical activities to promote more positive affective valence, enhance physical performance (i.e., ergogenic effect), reduce perceived exertion, and improve physiological efficiency” (Terry et al., 2020, p. 91).

As a conclusion, the present review provides new elements to understand the inter- and intra-variability of the SMT, and we hope that our recommendations will be taken into account in future studies investigating performance in rhythmic production and perception tasks.

Statements

Author contributions

AD and JT primarily conducted this systematic review and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. EM provided expertise on the methodology for conducting a systematic review and participated in the discussions for the selection of articles. AD, EM, and JT collected all the information from the selected articles, provided feedback, and revised the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the editor and the two reviewers for their very constructive comments and suggestions.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Publisher’s note

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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Summary

Keywords

SMT, rhythm, intertap interval, intra-individual, inter-individual, variability, frequency

Citation

Desbernats A, Martin E and Tallet J (2023) Which factors modulate spontaneous motor tempo? A systematic review of the literature. Front. Psychol. 14:1161052. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1161052

Received

07 February 2023

Accepted

02 August 2023

Published

18 October 2023

Volume

14 - 2023

Edited by

Vassilis Sevdalis, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Reviewed by

Nicolas Farrugia, IMT Atlantique Bretagne-Pays de la Loire, France; Sinead Rocha, Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom

Updates

Copyright

*Correspondence: Anaïs Desbernats ; Jessica Tallet

Disclaimer

All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.

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