Many studies have been conducted on the influence of drumming on the brain. The idea of neuroplasticity, the ability to modify your brain’s composition over time, has brought drummers into the limelight.
A 2019 study by researchers from the Bergmannsheil university clinic showed that brain physiology is altered in drummers. Their study was primarily focused on the white matter areas of the brain.
The 20 participants in the study were all professional drummers with an average playing experience of 17 years. The subjects also played the drums for, on average, 10 hours per week. The scientists ran MRI scans on their brains and compared the results to a group of 24 control subjects with no musical ability.
They were shown to have an altered connecting tract between the different halves of the brain. This area is known as the corpus callosum and is responsible for motor planning. The fibers are thicker but there are fewer of them.
This enables a much faster transfer of information between different areas of the brain. The results of the study showed that the thicker the fibers, the better the drummer.
The motor brain areas are more efficiently organized. This allows for much higher levels of motor coordination, which is needed to play the drums well. For instance, drummers must be able to play different rhythms with each hand.
This also means that while carrying out motor tasks, the brain of a drummer is less active than a non-musician. This is a medical phenomenon known as sparse sampling.
The conclusion reached by the authors of the study was that professional drumming is associated with a more efficient neuronal design of cortical motor areas.
There are suggestions that continuing research in this area could lead to the ability to restructure cortical motor networks. This could have life-changing impacts for people that suffer from motor disorders.
There is evidence to suggest that drumming encourages a more synchronized relationship between the lower areas of the brain and the frontal cortex. These areas are responsible for non-verbal communication and language and reasoning respectively. The idea of these two areas coming into alignment is said to help increase self-assuredness and give you a sense of deeper insight.
Drummers’ brains have been shown to contain higher volumes of grey matter in the cortex. Every time that you challenge yourself you induce neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells) in the hippocampus - the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning.
This is also further strengthened through exercise. So a particularly intense drum session that leads you to break out in a sweat is actually growing your brain! A growth of the hippocampus has been shown to reduce the effects of aging such as dementia and memory loss.
What are the benefits of playing the drums?
Studies have shown that drumming can even help to reduce blood pressure. It has also been shown to have a link to reduced levels of inflammation and an improvement in the immune system. It is believed that drumming helps to reverse levels of stress hormones in the body.
This theory was also backed up by a study carried out on cancer patients. Drumming was shown to enhance their immune systems. This is because it has been shown to increase the natural T-cells generated in your body. These are a key part of your immune response and help your body to combat viruses and cancer cells.
There is some evidence to suggest that senior citizens can use drumming to improve their mental state. The regularity of the drum beats can help those suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s to focus for up to 30 minutes at a time. As well as this, there have been links drawn between the beats and a regular walking gait.
In many religions and spiritual practices, drumming is seen as a way to help you connect to the rhythm of life. It can be a way to help build the connection between your mind, body, and soul. It can be used to release negative emotions and to allow positivity to flood in.
Does drumming help with anxiety?
Yes, there is circumstantial evidence to suggest that drumming does help with anxiety. The act of playing the drums allows you to release pent-up emotions in a non-verbal manner.
Many people struggle to verbalize their emotions, particularly in times of heightened stress. Drumming allows these feelings to be released and invigorates you to continue on with your day.
In a comparison study involving a group of drummers and a group of non-drummers, scientists found drumming had a direct correlation with improved mental health.
It was shown to reduce anxiety and depression while boosting social resilience. This is theorized to be due to the endorphins released which help to improve your mood.
The regular pattern of the drum beats is a form of meditation. Focusing on the rhythm helps to calm your thoughts and forces you to become more relaxed.
Drumming also forces you to be in the present and focus on what is happening around you. Allow your thoughts to flow through you and pass without judgment.
This is a major component in mindfulness activities and has strongly positive impacts on mental health and anxiety. It has been proven to reduce the impact of chronic pain and stress.
Drumming also stimulates the increased release of Alpha waves from the brain. These help you to feel calm and tranquil, and can even give you feelings of euphoria. Alpha waves are also associated with other mindfulness exercises such as meditation.
There are many studies that have shown the positive impact of music therapy on mental health. Not only can the drumming itself be beneficial, but you can start to build a new community and make friends.
This also helps to relieve feelings of loneliness and makes you feel included. People say that drum circles are a spiritual experience and can help you feel connected to others on a deeper level.