Less effortful auditory-motor synchronization with low-frequency tones in isochronous sound sequence

Abstract

In music aided rehabilitation therapies like Rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS), it is important for a subject to engage with isochronous sound sequence for efficient auditory-motor synchronization (AMS). This engagement will depend upon listening effort (which is the amount of cognitive resources needed to comprehend and synchronize with the isochronous sound sequence). Less effort will lead to more engagement. Frequency of tone and inter-stimulus interval (ISI) are two main elements of sound sequence which are likely to affect the synchronization accuracy and listening effort. This study examines the motor response of the participants to the tone and their listening effort involved in performing continuous tapping task. The emphasis is how the effect of frequency of the tone and inter-stimulus interval (ISI) affect synchronization error and listening effort in isochronous sound sequence. Thirty participants (aged, 18-35 years, M = 24.6 years) took part on a voluntary basis in this study. Their finger tapping responses and listening efforts were measured. Pupillary dilation was recorded using Tobii tx-30 eye tracker in order to analyze listening effort. The results suggest that the frequency of tone plays a crucial role in tapping performance and listening effort. In summary, this study demonstrates that there is better temporal alignment to low-frequency tones with lesser listening effort as compared to high-frequency tones.