Project description
Beyond speech: rhythmic motor synchronisation in dyslexia
Dyslexia is widely linked to difficulties in processing speech rhythms, but it remains unclear if these challenges extend to physical gestures and motor movements across different languages. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the RhyMED project will investigate whether atypical rhythmic motor synchronisation is a core feature of dyslexia that transcends speech. By testing adults in English, Spanish and Basque, the project will use signal processing and explainable machine learning to quantify how rhythms align across different senses and languages. RhyMED aims to determine whether difficulties in rhythm processing are universal or shaped by language-specific constraints. Ultimately, this research aims to provide reproducible analysis methods, creating a vital foundation for early identification and more effective future interventions.
Objective
RhyMED investigates whether difficulties in rhythmic synchronisation of gesture are a core feature of dyslexia that complement the rhythmic speech entrainment difficulties already identified, and whether these motor difficulties are similar across languages and modalities. The project tests adults with and without dyslexia in English, Spanish, and Basque, which differ in rhythm shaping features such as syllable structure, stress patterns, and pitch use. It moves beyond mono-language perception studies by examining how rhythms are produced and aligned in speech, co-speech gesture, and motor movements.
The central objective is to quantify rhythmic entrainment within and across modalities and to compare patterns between dyslexic and control groups. RhyMED extracts signal-based measures of amplitude and frequency modulations in speech and comparable modulation patterns in gesture and motor movement, capturing rhythm at multiple timescales. It then assesses how closely these patterns align within individuals and across groups. An explainable machine learning approach is used to evaluate how well rhythm metrics distinguish groups and to identify which features matter most, without treating the models as a black box.
This project will clarify whether rhythmic differences in dyslexia are language-blind or linguistically constrained, and whether gesture and movement provide converging evidence for rhythmic entrainment deficits in dyslexia alongside speech. The project delivers reproducible methods for analysing rhythmic entrainment in natural production and a robust foundation for future research on early identification and intervention. A secondment at the Basque Center on Cognition, Brain and Language strengthens cross-linguistic testing and training. For the fellow, RhyMED advances training in the neuroscience of rhythm and language, translating existing technical skills into applied studies of dyslexia and delivering impact consistent with MSCA priorities.
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Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2025-PF
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CB2 1TN CAMBRIDGE
United Kingdom
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