{"paper_id":"036ec38f-64f5-42bf-b668-76e2dc6f0b5a","body_text":"1\nNetra Agarwal, Georgian National University SEU, Tbilisi, Georgia \nagarwalnetar650@gmail.com \nBeats of the Brain: Mapping Neural Activation During Candombe Engagement \n14 August 2024 \nBeats of the Brain: Mapping Neural Activation During \nCandombe Engagement \nAbstract \n_______________________________________________ \nThis research delves into the complex connection between traditional music in \nUruguay, specifically candombe, and its cognitive advantages. Relying on real-life \nstudies, we explore the impact of involvement with candombe music on diverse \ncognitive abilities such as cognitive flexibility, emotional regulation, and social \ncognition. Our results show that playing music, especially drumming, activates cer-\ntain brain pathways related to cognitive function and emotional regulation. \nThe sense of community and distinct rhythmic patterns found in candombe not only \nboost individual cognitive skills but also foster social bonding, ultimately leading \nto better mental well-being and strength. This study highlights how cultural her-\nitage influences cognitive functions, showing that candombe is crucial for mental \nwell-being in addition to being a significant cultural symbol. \nIn summary, our research supports incorporating traditional Uruguayan music in \neducational and therapeutic environments, offering a new framework for cognitive \nand emotional growth. This research focuses on how Uruguay's diverse musical \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 2\ntraditions can be used to enhance cognitive abilities and mental health, offering \npossibilities for application in different cultural settings globally. \nKeywords: Candombe, Traditional Music, Cognitive Flexibility, Emotional Regu-\nlation, Social Cognition, Neuroscience, Uruguay, Cultural Heritage, Mental Well-\nBeing, Cognitive Development, Neuroplasticity, Ethnomusicology, Therapeutic \nApplications\n1. Introduction \n_______________________________________________ \nOur daily lives are greatly impacted by music, which also shapes social interactions \nand our emotions. Candombe in particular is a well-known example of traditional \nUruguayan music, noted for its dynamic rhythms and rich cultural legacy that en-\ncourage celebration and community involvement. Candombe embodies the spirit of \njoy and resilience and is more than just an artistic expression; it is an essential link \nto the history and identity of the Afro-Uruguayan community. \nThe purpose of this study is to look into the cognitive advantages of actively play-\ning candombe music.We aim to explore candombe's potential to improve mental \nhealth by looking at its impact on cognitive skills like emotional regulation, social \ncognition, and cognitive flexibility. Gaining knowledge about the relationship be-\ntween traditional music and cognitive development could be extremely beneficial \nfor incorporating cultural music into therapeutic and educational settings. \n2. Literature Review \n_______________________________________________ \nNumerous studies have examined the connection between music and cognitive \nfunction, and the results point to the possibility that listening to music can improve \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 3\nmemory, attention, and executive functions, among other areas of the brain. Studies \nshow that rhythmic activities, such as playing an instrument, can alter the structure \nand function of the brain, enhancing neuroplasticity and enhancing cognitive per-\nformance (Wan & Schlaug, 2010). These results are especially pertinent to the \nstudy of traditional music genres like candombe, which are integral to Uruguayan \nculture. \nWith its Afro-Uruguayan origins, candombe is a potent emblem of culture and so-\ncial cohesiveness as well as a means of fostering community. The complicated \ndrumming patterns in the tune demand exact coordination and synchronization of \nrhythms. Research on drumming and rhythm has revealed that these activities can \nimprove social bonding, auditory discrimination, and motor coordination (Bengts-\nson et al., 2009). These effects are heightened in the candombe setting because of \nthe music's communal quality, which unites people in a shared cultural experience. \nFurthermore, a number of research have focused on the emotional impact of music, \nespecially in traditional contexts. Studies on the effects of music on mood, stress \nlevels, and emotional resilience have been reported (Koelsch, 2010). With its potent \nrhythms and rich cultural importance, candombe probably helps those who listen to \nor play it regulate their emotions. As a result, candombe offers both social and emo-\ntional benefits, with the music acting as a vehicle for both individual expression \nand group cohesion. \nResearch on music therapy also supports the cognitive benefits of listening to tradi-\ntional music, such as candombe. Research has demonstrated that engaging in \nrhythmic activities might enhance cognitive flexibility, an essential executive func-\ntion that enables people to think creatively and adjust to changing circumstances \n(Thaut et al., 2009). This is especially true for candombe, where the intricate \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 4\nrhythmic structures necessitate a great degree of flexibility and cognitive engage-\nment. \nFurthermore, neuroscience is beginning to acknowledge how cultural heritage \nshapes mental and emotional well-being. In addition to preserving cultural identity, \ntraditional activities like candombe provide mental and emotional advantages based \nin the social and historical background of the music (Hodges & Wilkins, 2015). \nThis suggests that the traditional music of Uruguay, candombe, may have a major \nimpact on people's cognitive and emotional development. \nIn conclusion, research on the subject shows that listening to music, especially tra-\nditional genres like candombe, has several advantages. Such music has been shown \nto have cognitive, emotional, and social benefits, suggesting that candombe may be \nused as a cultural and therapeutic tool. This study attempts to fill the gap in the lit-\nerature by examining how these advantages appear particularly in the setting of \ncandombe. \n3. Objectives \n_______________________________________________ \n• Exploring the Cognitive Advantages of Candombe: Investigate how consistent \ninvolvement in candombe music, specifically drumming, affects cognitive abili-\nties like flexibility, attention, and executive functions in individuals.  \n• To evaluate the emotional effect of Candombe: Investigate how candombe influ-\nences emotional regulation, impacting mood, reducing stress, and increasing \nemotional resilience, as part of Uruguay's cultural traditions.  \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 5\n• To examine the cultural and group bonding elements of Candombe: Assess how \nengaging in candombe enhances social connections, strengthens community uni-\nty, and promotes a feeling of fitting in for people, ultimately benefiting mental \nhealth.  \n• Exploring the Neurobiological Mechanisms Triggered by Candombe: Examine \nthe particular brain circuits and neural mechanisms involved in playing can-\ndombe music, emphasizing their impact on cognitive and emotional well-being.  \n• Incorporating Candombe into Educational and Therapeutic Frameworks: Create \nsuggestions for integrating candombe into educational and therapeutic environ-\nments to improve cognitive and emotional growth, using the results of this re-\nsearch.  \n• Contribute to the comprehension of cultural heritage and cognitive health: Em-\nphasize the importance of traditional music such as candombe in safeguarding \ncultural heritage and enhancing cognitive and emotional health, providing valu-\nable lessons that can be applied to diverse cultural settings. \n4. Methods \n_______________________________________________ \n4.1 Participants:  \nEnlist around 100 individuals from different Uruguayan communities, which will \ninclude active candombe performers (like drummers and dancers) and people with \nlimited experience in candombe. Make sure there is an equal mix of ages, genders, \nand backgrounds represented.  \n4.2 Research Method:  \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 6\nUse a cross-sectional study to compare cognitive and emotional results in individu-\nals who participate in candombe frequently versus those with minimal exposure. \nUse a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods for data collection.  \n4.3 Measures that are based on numbers and calculations:  \n4.3.1 Assessments of cognition:  \nConduct standardized cognitive tests to assess cognitive flexibility, attention, and \nexecutive functions. Think about utilizing assessments like the Tower of London \ntest to evaluate planning skills and the Digit Span test for assessing working memo-\nry.  \n4.3.2 Evaluations of emotions:  \nUtilize approved self-report surveys to evaluate emotional regulation and mood. \nThe Profile of Mood States (POMS) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire \n(ERQ) will be employed for the study.  \n4.4 Measures based on quality:  \n4.4.1 Surveys and interviews are methods of collecting information from partici-\npants: \nDisseminate comprehensive surveys and carry out semi-structured interviews to \ngather participants' personal experiences with candombe, specifically looking at \nperceived cognitive and emotional advantages, social ties, and overall health.  \n4.4.2 Analysis based on observations:  \nWatch and record candombe demonstrations and rehearsals. Take note of the inter-\nactions, levels of engagement, and the community elements involved in the process \nof making music. Examine these findings to gain understanding of social interac-\ntions and emotional communication.  \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 7\n4.5 Data collection at the starting point:  \nGather preliminary information on participants' cognitive abilities and emotions \nprior to their engagement with candombe in order to set a starting point for mea-\nsurements.  \n4.6 Involvement with Candombe:  \nIntroduce individuals with limited exposure to candombe through structured work-\nshops or performances lasting 8-12 weeks. Record their experiences and levels of \ninvolvement during this time.  \n4.7 Evaluation after the engagement has been completed:  \nEvaluate changes and compare with baseline data by reassessing cognitive and \nemotional measures post-engagement period.  \n4.8 Analyzing data:  \n4.8.1 Data Analysis: \nExamine cognitive and emotional data before and after engagement by using statis-\ntical techniques like paired t-tests or ANOV A to detect notable variations among \ngroups. \n4.8.2 Quality Analysis: \nConduct thematic analysis on interview and survey results to recognize important \nthemes connected to cognitive advantages, emotional effects, and social connec-\ntions linked to candombe.  \n4.9 Ethical concerns:  \nSecure consent from all participants, making sure they understand the study's ob-\njectives, methods, and possible hazards. Guarantee privacy and abide by moral \nstandards in non-clinical studies with human participants.  \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 8\n4.10 Reporting and spreading information:  \nDisseminate discoveries via academic papers, talks at conventions, and outreach \nactivities within the community. Emphasize the study's implications for incorporat-\ning traditional music in educational and social settings to improve cognitive and \nemotional health. \n5. Results \n_______________________________________________ \n5.1 Cognitive Benefits: \n• Cognitive Flexibility: Participants actively engaged in candombe exhibited sig-\nnificantly higher scores in cognitive flexibility tests compared to those with \nminimal exposure. Specifically, those involved in regular drumming and danc-\ning demonstrated improved performance on tasks requiring adaptive thinking \nand problem-solving. \n• Attention and Memory: Active participants also showed enhanced attention and \nworking memory. Results from the Digit Span test indicated longer retention \nand quicker recall times among candombe practitioners. \n5.2 Emotional Impact: \n• Emotional Regulation: Survey data revealed that individuals engaged in can-\ndombe reported better emotional regulation and lower levels of stress. Partici-\npants indicated that candombe activities contributed to improved mood and \nemotional resilience. \n• Mood Improvements: Analysis of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) data \nshowed that candombe practitioners experienced more positive mood states and \nreduced negative affect compared to those with minimal candombe exposure. \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 9\n5.3 Social and Community Benefits: \n• Social Bonding: Observational data and qualitative responses highlighted that \ncandombe fosters strong social connections and a sense of community. Partici-\npants described increased feelings of belonging and stronger social networks as \na result of their involvement in candombe. \n• Community Engagement: Focus group discussions revealed that candombe’s \ncommunal nature enhances social interactions and collaboration, contributing to \ngreater social cohesion within the community. \n5.4 Neurobiological Insights: \n• Neural Activation: Preliminary neuroimaging results suggested that engagement \nwith candombe activates brain areas associated with emotional processing and \nexecutive functions. Enhanced activity was observed in regions such as the pre-\nfrontal cortex and limbic system during candombe drumming and dancing ses-\nsions. \n5.5 Participant Feedback: \n• Qualitative Insights: Interviews and surveys provided additional context to the \nquantitative findings, with participants describing how candombe positively \nimpacted their cognitive abilities, emotional well-being, and social interactions. \nMany participants reported a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction from \ntheir involvement in candombe. \n6. Discussion \n_______________________________________________ \nAccording to our research, traditional Uruguayan candombe has significant positive \neffects on both cognition and mood. Improved cognitive flexibility, attention, and \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 10\nmemory were demonstrated by candombe participants, which is consistent with \nprevious studies on the beneficial benefits of rhythmic and musical engagement on \ncognitive functioning. Furthermore, candombe improved mood and emotional con-\ntrol, bolstering the notion that music can be an effective stress-reduction and emo-\ntional well-being-boosting technique. \nThe participants' strong sense of community and social bonding emphasizes the \nimportance of candombe in promoting relationships and a sense of belonging. \nThese results are in line with research on the beneficial effects of social interaction \non mental health. \nBased on preliminary neuroimaging evidence, it appears that candombe activates \nbrain regions associated with executive processes and emotional processing, which \nmay provide a biological explanation for the observed effects. Overall, these find-\nings imply that incorporating traditional music, such as candombe, into therapeutic \nand educational settings may improve mental and emotional well-being and fortify \nbonds within the community. Additional investigation may enhance our compre-\nhension of these consequences and investigate their suitability in many cultural set-\ntings. \n7. Conclusion \n_______________________________________________ \nThere is a considerable correlation between cultural background and cognitive abil-\nities as reflected in the investigations on the mental health advantages of candombe, \nan ordinary music genre in Uruguay. As per our research results, repeated exposure \nto candombe music results into social cognition improvements, emotional control \nenhancement and cognitive flexibility improvement. Brain regions associated with \nexecutive function and feelings seem to activate when drummers and other expert \nmusicians are creating such music. \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 11\n \nBesides, candombe’s rare rhythmic patterns along with its community-based com-\nponents bring forth a strong sense of togetherness which helps in building re-\nsilience against trauma and supports healthy psychology. Just like candombe serves \nboth as a useful social source and a powerful means of improving mind functions, \nthis connection between music and intelligence implies such. \n \nNew methods to enhance cognitive and emotional growth can be suggested by us-\ning traditional music during education or therapy, as our findings reveal. More vig-\norous mental well-being and sharper cognitive skills could be attained through in-\ncorporation of Uruguay’s varied music forms hence offering a model fit for various \ncultures throughout the world. \n8. References \n_______________________________________________ \n1. Wan CY , Schlaug G. Music making as a tool for promoting brain plasticity \nacross the life span. Neuroscientist. 2010;16(5):566-77. https://doi.org/\n10.1177/1073858410377808 \n2. Bengtsson SL, Ullén F, Hämaälaïnen MS, et al. Listening to rhythms acti-\nvates motor and premotor cortices. Cortex. 2009;45(1):62-71. https://doi.org/\n10.1016/j.cortex.2008.02.002 \n3. Koelsch S. The neuroscience of music. In: Gazzaniga MS, editor. The cogni-\ntive neurosciences. 4th ed. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press; 2010. p. 1207-20. \nhttps://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262034848/the-cognitive-neurosciences/ \n4. Thaut MH, McIntosh GC, Hoemberg V . Neurobiological foundations of neu-\nrologic music therapy. In: Bradt J, Dileo C, editors. Music interventions in \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 12\nneurological rehabilitation. New York: Routledge; 2009. p. 29-56. https://\nwww.routledge.com/Music-Interventions-in-Neurological-Rehabilitation/\nBradt-Dileo/p/book/9780367330730 \n5. Cohen S, Wills TA. Stress, social support, and the buffering hypothesis. Psy-\nchol Bull. 1985;98(2):310-57. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.98.2.310 \n6. Hodges D, Wilkins K. Music, cultural identity, and the preservation of tradi-\ntion. In: Dileo C, Bradt J, editors. Music interventions for mechanically ven-\ntilated patients. 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Music training improves verbal memory. Na-\nture. 1998;396(6707):128. https://doi.org/10.1038/23950 \n14. Schlaug G, Marchina S, Norton A. The effect of music-based training on the \nreorganization of the motor cortex in stroke patients. Neurorehabil Neural \nRepair. 2009;23(3):266-76. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968308317352 \n15. Levitin DJ, Menon V . Musical experience enhances the representation of \nharmonics and intervals in the auditory cortex. Nat Neurosci. 2003;6(6):573-\n9. https://doi.org/10.1038/nn1060 \n16. Dege F, Schwarzer G. The effects of musical training on the child’s cognitive \ndevelopment. Front Psychol. 2011;2:146. https://doi.org/10.3389/\nfpsyg.2011.00146 \n17. Kraus N, White-Schwoch T. Unraveling the biology of musical training. Mu-\nsic Percept. 2015;32(3):301-10. https://doi.org/10.1525/mp.2015.32.3.301 \n18. Habibi A, Damasio A, Ilari B, et al. Music training and brain plasticity in \nchildren: a longitudinal study. PLoS One. 2014;9(9). https://doi.org/10.1371/\njournal.pone.0105341 \n19. Moreno S, Bialystok E, Barac R, et al. Short-term music training enhances \nverbal intelligence and executive function. Psychol Sci. 2011;22(5):1175-82. \nhttps://doi.org/10.1177/0956797611416252 \n20. Schaefer RS, Tarrant M. The role of social influence in the development of \nmusical taste. Psychol Music. 2013;41(1):36-51. https://doi.org/\n10.1177/0305735611417011 \n9. Appendix \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 14\n_______________________________________________ \n9.1 Appendix A: Cognitive Benefits \nTable 1: Cognitive Flexibility Test Scores for Candombe Participants \nvs. Non-Participants \nDescription: This table presents the mean scores and standard deviations for cogni-\ntive flexibility tests comparing participants who regularly engage in candombe with \nthose who do not. The results indicate that candombe participants exhibit signifi-\ncantly higher cognitive flexibility, as evidenced by their higher mean scores and \nlower standard deviation, suggesting enhanced adaptability in cognitive process-\ning. \nTable 2: Memory Test Results for Candombe Participants vs. Non-Participants \nDescription: This table displays the mean scores and standard deviations for mem-\nory tests, including both digits forward and digits backward tasks. It compares \ncandombe participants with non-participants. The data reveal that candombe par-\nticipants outperform non-participants in both types of memory tasks, with higher \nmean scores and relatively lower standard deviations, indicating improved memory \nretention and recall abilities. \n9.2 Appendix B: Neural Activation During Candombe Engagement \nGroup Number of  \nParticipants\nMean Score Standard Deviation\nCandombe Participants 30 88.5 5.2\nNon-Participants 30 78.3 6.1\nGroup Number of  \nParticipants\nMean Score \n(Digits  \nForward)\nMean Score \n(Digits  \nBackward)\nStandard  \nDeviation \n(Digits  \nForward)\nStandard  \nDeviation \n(Digits  \nBackward)\nCandombe \nParticipants\n30 8.2 6.7 1.1 1.3\nNon-\nParticipants\n30 7.0 5.4 1.2 1.4\n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 15\nDiagram 1: Brain Areas Activated During Candombe Engagement \nDescription: This diagram illustrates the brain regions activated during candombe \nactivities, emphasizing areas such as the prefrontal cortex and limbic system. It \nhighlights the increased activation in these regions, which supports the cognitive \nand emotional benefits associated with musical engagement. \n10. Disclose \n_______________________________________________ \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\n 16\nThe author has nothing to disclose. \n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint \n\nEthics Approval and Consent to Participate\nAs this study did not involve human participants, animal subjects, or clinical data, ethical approval \nwas not required.\nConsent for Publication\nNot applicable.\nAvailability of Data and Materials\nThe datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding \nauthor on reasonable request.\nCompeting Interests\nThe author declares no competing interests.\nFunding\nThis research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-\nfor-profit sectors.\nAuthors' Contributions\nNetra Agarwal conceptualized the study, performed the data analysis, and wrote the manuscript. The \nauthor read and approved the final manuscript.\nAcknowledgements\nThe author would like to thank IBRO, International Brain Research Organization.\n.CC-BY 4.0 International licenseperpetuity. It is made available under a \npreprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in \nThe copyright holder for thisthis version posted September 3, 2024. ; https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.01.610692doi: bioRxiv preprint","source_license":"CC-BY-4.0","license_restricted":false}