University of Chichester involved in new research that reveals benefits of rock-drumming
Iconic Blondie drummer Clem Burke collaborated with the research group.
A new study, which the University of Chichester has been involved in, has revealed the science behind the benefits of rock-drumming.
A new video shows how it can re-shape the brain to improve movement control.
The animated film shows that playing for just 30 minutes, three times a week is a potent stimulus for the mind.
It also reveals that drumming can be beneficial for people living with neurological conditions such as autism.
The short video is a culmination of a 10 year investigation by a group of scientists from several UK universities, including the University of Chichester.
They collaborated with iconic drummers including Blondie’s Clem Burke and Skunk Anansie’s Mark Richardson to explore how drumming practice affects the brain.
Reader in sport and exercise physiology Dr Marcus Smith, from the University of Chichester, is one of the lead scientists of the group, aptly named the Clem Burke Drumming Project:
"Drumming is a unique activity that is both physically and mentally challenging.
"It acts as a potent intervention in experimental trials that seeks to provide insight into how humans learn and subsequently behave.
"Our hope is that this new video will stimulate broad discussion and feedback that will help shape the direction of future rock drumming-based research.
"Fundamental to our work is collaboration and we welcome dialogue with any interested parties who may share similar areas of interest."
The group’s most recent scientific study was published in the Scientific Reports journal earlier this year.
The investigation showed that drumming brings about positive changes in brain structure and function, leading to enhanced drumming performance.
It also supported scientist’s previous work which demonstrated that playing leads to structural changes in the networks of the cerebellum, which sit below and behind the main structure of the brain and are associated with plasticity: the ability to change as the result of experience.
The idea behind the new animated video was to make the scientific investigation more accessible to a wider audience, according to Kings College London’s Professor Steve Williams:
"This animation helps to showcase a new collaboration between art and science.
"We sincerely hope that our fun approach reaches the widest possible audience."
Dean of Research at Hartpury University Professor Steve Draper, one of the co-founders of the Clem Burke Drumming Project, added:
"It is exciting to see our findings communicated in such an engaging and accessible way.
"There is enormous potential to improve physical and mental wellbeing through learning to drum."
People can find out more about work undertaken by the Clem Burke Drumming Project research group here.