Nietzsche said that “without music, life would be a mistake” and according to research out earlier this year the groovier the beat the better life is going to get.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have discovered that dancing to ‘music with a groove’ can boost cognition, executive function and overall brain performance, as well as prevent diseases like dementia in elderly people.
“In the present study, we conducted brain imaging to evaluate corresponding changes in executive function, and measured individual psychological responses to groove music,” said Professor Hideaki Soya.
He went on: “The results were surprising. We found that groove rhythm enhanced executive function and activity in the participants who reported that the music elicited a strong groove sensation and the sensation of being clear-headed.”
The study also revealed that the most improved brain function was in participants already familiar with the music.
“The effects of groove rhythm on human cognitive performance may be influenced by familiarity or beat processing ability,” added Professor Soya.
