Spontaneous Motor Tempo (SMT)

Spontaneous motor tempo (SMT) is our most natural, comfortable pace in repetitive movement (hand clapping, walking) without external stimuli. This “internal tempo” are innate — two movements/second for adults, slightly faster in children, slower in the elderly. Researchers measure SMT by asking people to tap their finger at a natural pace. Studies also investigate how SMT is influenced by age, mood, and neurological conditions. Also see Variable Motor Timing