When people listen to music, slow waves of brain activity correspond to the perceived beat, allowing them to move in time.
Auditory rhythms induce slow brain waves that align with the musical beat, enabling precise movement synchronization.
In contrast, tactile rhythms elicit individual vibration responses without generating similar beat-related fluctuations, resulting in less accurate tapping.
Sound, but not touch, effectively shapes rhythmic processing in the brain.
This research highlights the unique role of sound in shaping rhythmic processing.
Author's summary: Sound shapes rhythm in the brain.