Disorders of audio-motor synchronization in patients with cerebellar tumors

Timing is extremely important for movement and speech, and understanding the neurobiological basis of rhythm perception and reproduction can be helpful in addressing motor and cognitive recovery after brain lesions.

The aim of the present study was to investigate temporal abilities in children treated for a malignant tumor in cerebellum. Children with a diagnosed medulloblastoma and astrocytoma and age-paired  control children were given an audio-motor synchronization task:  tapping according to the metronome sounds at 40, 60 and 120 beats per minute. Additionally correlations between timing accuracy and  variability and working memory and processing speed were  calculated (for executive functions assessment the Cambridge  Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) was used). The performance in the audio-motor synchronization task (both accuracy and variability) was significantly poorer in children with  cerebellum tumors than in controls. A linear correlation was revealed between timing accuracy and variability: the more accurately, the  less variable the rhythm will be produced. Finally, it was shown that  successful timing performance associated with fine spatial working memory, high processing speed and visual spatial span.

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