Rhythm Therapy Enhances Cognitive Skills in East Auckland

The East Health Trust has launched an innovative eight-week program based on the Ronnie Gardiner Method (RGM), aimed at enhancing cognitive and motor skills for participants across 18 clinics in east Auckland and Pukekohe. This music-based initiative commenced in October 2023, providing a unique and accessible approach for individuals seeking to improve their brain and body functions.

RGM is a multi-sensory therapy that integrates rhythm, movement, music, and speech to stimulate various cognitive processes. Participants engage multiple senses—including vision, hearing, coordination, memory, and touch—simultaneously, fostering strong neurological connections. These connections are essential for enhancing mobility, concentration, and overall confidence in participants.

Designed by American jazz drummer Ronnie Gardiner in the 1980s, this method has gained recognition for its benefits, particularly for individuals facing challenges related to the central nervous system. Since its inception in Sweden in 2000, RGM has been embraced in various settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and educational institutions.

The program is structured to be enjoyable and adaptable, making it suitable for a diverse range of participants. This includes individuals living with conditions such as Parkinson’s, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, traumatic brain injury, dementia, as well as older adults aiming to support healthy aging and children with special needs.

Positive Feedback from Participants

Before launching the program, clinicians within East Health’s general practice network were invited to observe the sessions. This initiative aimed to familiarize them with the method, enabling them to confidently refer patients who could benefit from this free program.

According to Kathy Gross, a physiotherapist with East Health Trust, “We’re seeing people light up as they discover what their bodies and minds can do when rhythm and movement come together.” This sentiment is echoed by Parvin Kapila, a health promotion coordinator, who notes, “The sessions are fun, social, and challenging in the best way. Participants tell us they leave feeling brighter, more coordinated, and more connected to the group.”

Future Plans for RGM

Due to the positive reception, another RGM program is slated to launch in early 2026. Interested individuals are encouraged to speak with their clinicians or register their interest online at the East Health Trust website.

This initiative exemplifies the innovative approaches being adopted in healthcare, combining enjoyment with therapeutic benefits to enhance the quality of life for participants in east Auckland.