The Rhythmicity Index

By Rodger C Bailey, MS

An important aspect of any training program is the ability to test. There is a need to test before the training to establish a baseline. There is a need to test during the training to verify the training is working and that the students are learning the new skills. There is a need to test at the end of the program to verify the trainee has achieved completion criteria.

We have developed a standardized scale for reporting rhythmicity. This Rhythmicity Index (RI) ranges from 0 (zero) to 100 (one hundred).

An RI of one hundred (100) shows the ability to keep a very steady (an absolutely steady) beat. It is mathematically possible to get an RI higher than 100, but few will achieve this level.

An RI of zero means the person is random. There is no relationship between the taps the person makes on the spacebar and the steady beat produced by the software.

In musical terms, rhythmicity is the ability to follow or maintain a steady beat. Research shows that rhythmicity is directly related to academic performance. We calculate the Rhythmicity Index (RI) to help us understand how well a person is able to be steady while following or producing a beat, and how well they can focus and concentrate.

An RI of less than 28 is an indication of great difficulty having focus, concentration, or attention. At this level there is little connection to their environment or context. At this level a child might make good grades, but would probably not fit in with the others in the class and would have poor coordination.

An RI between 28 and 48 is an indication of extremely poor and very poor coordination. With this RI, people will have difficulty controlling their behavior and they have difficulty maintaining focus, concentration, or attention.

An RI between 48 and 58 is an indication of poor coordination. With this RI, people could have dramatic improvement in focus, concentration, and coordination by taking rhythmicity training. With this RI, people often pop-out of focus for long durations.

An RI between 58 and 68 is an indication of marginal rhythmicity, focus, attention, and coordination. Pop-out is common and severe. Rhythmicity training will improve focus, attention, and coordination, and reduce the effects of pop-out.

An RI between 68 and 78 is an indication of good rhythmicity and good focus, attention, and coordination. Pop-out is common and not severe. Rhythmicity training will improve focus, attention, and coordination, and reduce the effects of pop-out.

An RI between 78 and 88 is an indication of very good rhythmicity, focus, attention, and coordination. Pop-out is uncommon and not severe. Rhythmicity training will improve focus, attention, and coordination, and reduce the effects of pop-out.

An RI above 88 is an indication of an elite level of rhythmicity, focus, attention, and coordination. Pop-out is uncommon and momentary. This is the rhythmicity level of professional athletes. With Rhythmicity training, professional athletes can improve their performance, even if they start in this stage of the training.

The higher the RI, the better the focus, attention, and coordination. The higher the RI, the less severe the pop-out.