Recently I came across the interesting phenomenon, rhythmic entrainment. Most of us already know how music can influence our mood, body, and mind. Sometimes, it even feels like your heartbeat syncs with the song you’re listening to. This isn’t just in your head—rhythmic entrainment explains why this happens.

What is rhythmic entrainment?

Rhythmic entrainment refers to the synchronisation of our internal biological rhythms with external rhythmic stimuli, usually through music or sound. It’s like finding a rhythm within yourself and aligning it with the rhythm of the world, which can impact everything from movement to how we think.

How does it work?

At its core, rhythmic entrainment involves a process called temporal locking. When we hear a steady rhythm, our brain’s neural oscillations (which are repetitive patterns of activity in the central nervous system) start to match or "lock in" with the external beat. This synchronisation happens across various systems in our body, like our heartbeat or brainwaves.

The process taps into multiple brain pathways:

• Auditory-motor connection: Rhythm triggers activity in both our hearing-related brain areas and the parts of our brain responsible for movement, helping us perceive and respond physically to it.
• Anticipatory timing: Our brain uses rhythm to predict and time movements better, creating more stable coordination.
• Neural synchronisation: Various brain regions work together, syncing with the rhythm to improve overall communication and coordination.

Rhythmic entrainment helps different areas of the brain work together more smoothly and can even improve neural plasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt and form new connections. Like many forms of music therapy, it also offers a non-verbal way to connect with others, enhancing shared experiences.

Benefits for neurodivergent individuals

Rhythmic entrainment can enhance spatial awareness and improve control over movements, offering a structured, predictable pattern that organises sensory input and motor output.

For neurodivergent individuals, including those on the autism spectrum, rhythmic entrainment has shown potential benefits in several areas:

• Movement and coordination: It can make movements smoother and more controlled.
• Social interaction: For those who find social situations difficult, rhythmic activities can offer a new way to connect with others.
• Emotional expression: Some people find it helpful in managing emotions or reducing stress.
• Communication: It may aid in both speaking and understanding language.
• Sensory processing: Rhythmic activities can help organise and respond to sensory information more effectively.
• Body awareness: It can improve how well someone understands their body's position and movements in space.

It’s important to remember that everyone is different, so the effects of rhythmic entrainment will vary from person to person. The key is experimenting with it to see what works best for each individual.

Real-world application

Rhythmic entrainment shows up in everyday life more often than we realise. It can take many forms, both intentional or unintentional:

• Music therapy: Therapists use rhythmic activities to help individuals with various needs. For example, a therapist might use drumming to help a child with autism practice turn-taking or improve coordination.
• Exercise and movement: Fitness classes like Zumba or spin use music with specific BPMs to guide movement and increase energy. Running apps, like "Couch to 5K," often provide playlists that match ideal running tempos.
• Interactive games: Games like "Guitar Hero" or "Just Dance" revolve around rhythm, helping players improve coordination and timing.
• Daily routines: Teachers and parents use songs to mark transitions, such as a clean-up song in a classroom or a lullaby before bed.
• Meditation and relaxation: Meditation apps often use rhythmic sounds to guide breathing and relaxation. The popular "4-7-8" breathing technique is an example of rhythmic entrainment.
• Study and work: Lo-fi beats or white noise, which often have a steady rhythm, are used to improve focus and productivity.
• Dance music: DJs frequently match song tempos to average heart rates (around 120-130 BPM) to create an energetic atmosphere.
• Cultural practices: In many traditional rituals, like Native American drumming circles or certain African dances, rhythm is used to create unity, spiritual experiences and even altered states of consciousness.

Chances are, you’ve already experienced rhythmic entrainment without realising it. The trick is to find rhythms that work best for you in different situations. It can be a helpful tool for us all.

Wrapping Up

Rhythmic entrainment offers a unique and promising approach to supporting neurodivergent individuals by opening up new avenues for movement, communication, and emotional expression. Whether you're on the spectrum, dealing with other neurological conditions, or just curious about the power of rhythm, this is an exciting technique.

We’d love to hear from you. If you have any experiences with rhythmic entrainment or playlists you’d recommend, share them with us on our socials!