Identifying a brain network for musical rhythm: A functional neuroimaging meta-analysis and systematic review. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kasdan, Anna V.; Burgess, Andrea N.; Pizzagalli, Fabrizio; Scartozzi, Alyssa; Chern, Alexander; Kotz, Sonja A.; Wilson, Stephen M.; Gordon, Reyna L.
• Is Part Of: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews. Volume 136(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Rhythm -- Music -- Beat -- FMRI -- Meta-analysis; Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Behavior -- Periodicals; Ethology -- Periodicals; Neurology -- Periodicals; Psychophysiologie -- Périodiques; Comportement humain -- Périodiques; Animaux -- Mœurs et comportement -- Périodiques; Neurologie -- Périodiques; Animal behavior; Human behavior; Neurology; Psychophysiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 573.8
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104588
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0149-7634

Abstract

Abstract: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 30 functional magnetic resonance imaging studies investigating processing of musical rhythms in neurotypical adults. First, we identified a general network for musical rhythm, encompassing all relevant sensory and motor processes ( Beat-based, rest baseline, 12 contrasts) which revealed a large network involving auditory and motor regions. This network included the bilateral superior temporal cortices, supplementary motor area (SMA), putamen, and cerebellum. Second, we identified more precise loci for beat-based musical rhythms ( Beat-based, audio-motor control, 8 contrasts) in the bilateral putamen. Third, we identified regions modulated by beat based rhythmic complexity ( Complexity, 16 contrasts) which included the bilateral SMA-proper/pre-SMA, cerebellum, inferior parietal regions, and right temporal areas. This meta-analysis suggests that musical rhythm is largely represented in a bilateral cortico-subcortical network. Our findings align with existing theoretical frameworks about auditory-motor coupling to a musical beat and provide a foundation for studying how the neural bases of musical rhythm may overlap with other cognitive domains. Highlights: Musical rhythm engages a bilateral cortico-subcortical network involving auditory and motor regions. Beat-based musical rhythms activate the bilateral putamen. The bilateral SMA, cerebellum, and other regions are modulated by rhythmic complexity. Findings converge with other methodologies and align with existing theoretical frameworks.