Human beings have universally engaged in rhythmic musical activities such as drumming, dancing, singing, and playing musical instruments since ancient times (e.g., Mithen, 2005 Fitch, 2006 Conard et al., 2009). Ultimately, we hope that the SEP hypothesis will provide a useful framework for facilitating rhythm-based research in various patient populations. Here, we propose the “SEP” hypothesis, which postulates that (1) “sound envelope processing” and (2) “synchronization and entrainment to pulse” may help stimulate brain networks that underlie human communication. Although clinical studies are limited to date, existing experimental evidence demonstrates rich rhythmic organization in both music and language, as well as overlapping brain networks that are crucial in the design of rehabilitation approaches. In this paper, we explore whether rhythm has therapeutic potential for promoting recovery from speech and language dysfunctions.
Examining the relationship between rhythm and speech is fundamental not only to our understanding of the origins of human communication but also in the treatment of neurological disorders. For example, the mere presence of an underlying beat or pulse can result in spontaneous motor responses such as hand clapping, foot stepping, and rhythmic vocalizations.
Rhythm can be a powerful medium to stimulate communication and social interactions, due to the strong sensorimotor coupling.
2Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USAįor thousands of years, human beings have engaged in rhythmic activities such as drumming, dancing, and singing.1Heart and Stroke Foundation Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.