Reggaeton activates brain's auditory-motor network more than classical music

A study conducted by researchers from Spain and Finland, published in the journal Neuroscience, has found that reggaeton activates the brain's auditory-motor network more intensely than classical music.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), researchers monitored 28 individuals without professional musical training while they listened to instrumental fragments of reggaeton, classical, electronic, and folk music. The results showed that reggaeton induced significantly higher activity in regions associated with movement and pleasure, such as the putamen and the supplementary motor area, compared to other genres.

The study suggests that the high "groove" quality and rhythmic clarity of reggaeton allow the brain to more easily predict patterns and prepare for movement. This distinct pulse differentiates it from the more complex structures of classical music. Researchers noted that these findings could have potential clinical applications, such as using rhythmic auditory stimulation to assist patients with movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.