Cognitive and motor abilities predict auditory cued finger-tapping in a dual task.

Rhythmic auditory stimulation is a commonly used therapeutic method involving repetitive movements cued by rhythmic sounds, aiming to support movement (re-)learning as well as attentional orienting. While musical properties of the cue have been extensively studied, not much is known about the role of individual differences in cognitive and motor abilities that enable sensorimotor synchronization. In this study, 50 participants performed a finger tapping task under various conditions. Tapping was performed as a stand-alone task (single task), and simultaneously with 2-Back working memory task (dual task), to sounds with differing levels of rhythmic complexity (metronome vs. music), both having a clear, steady beat. Standardized neuropsychological tests were related to tapping timing and force in the single task and to their dual task cost (interference). Participants tapped with lower consistency in the dual task for both auditory cues. Poorer cognitive inhibition and better gross motor ability each predicted greater applied force. In contrast, participants with poorer fine motor ability also tapped with lower force. A an inverse U-shape relation emerged (but did not survive sensitivity analysis) between fine motor ability and tapping timing consistency, where both poorer and better fine motor abilities predicted higher consistency. These non-linear relationships were shown for the single and dual tasks, but not for the dual task cost. Overall, this study highlights the complex interactions of aspects of movement and cognitive abilities with sensorimotor synchronization, which is essential to many music-based interventions, and highlights the importance of the consideration of individual baseline abilities.