PsyPost reports:

Research suggests that learning to play a musical instrument does far more than provide artistic satisfaction; it appears to fundamentally alter how the brain maps the physical body in space. A new analysis indicates that trained musicians possess a superior ability to maintain their physical orientation and balance, even in the absence of visual cues. These findings were recently published in the academic journal Cortex.

Spatial cognition is the mental process that allows individuals to navigate the physical world. It relies on the brain’s continuous effort to track the body’s position relative to external objects. This internal map is constructed by combining streams of information from the eyes, the inner ear, and physical sensations from the muscles and skin.

This concept creates a body representation that solves the computational problem of locating oneself in an environment. Anchoring the body is essential for tasks ranging from simple walking to complex mental rotation of objects. While vision is a primary tool for this, the auditory system also plays a significant role in stabilization.

The brain utilizes sound sources as anchors to help maintain balance and direction. Previous investigations have demonstrated that even short periods of sensory training can sharpen these spatial skills. For instance, programs that pair body movements with auditory feedback have shown promise in enhancing spatial awareness.

Playing an instrument represents a rigorous form of long-term multisensory training. It demands the simultaneous and precise coordination of touch, hearing, and vision. Researchers hypothesized that this intense practice might permanently alter how the brain processes spatial information. [Continue reading…]