Scientific research has shown that you don’t have to be sporty to keep fit: a rock drummer gets as much of a workout during a gig as a premiership footballer during a match. And playing drumming-based interactive computer games such as Guitar Hero World Tour could provide real physical and mental health benefits.
During June this year the Clem Burke Drumming Project (a scientific collaboration between Clem Burke, the drummer from rock band Blondie, and the University of Chichester and University of Gloucestershire) was featured at both the Cheltenham Science Festival (3-7 June) and the London International Music Show (11-14 June) where scientists from the Universities of Chichester and Gloucestershire shared their recent research findings related to modern day rock drumming.
Visitors to both shows were able to witness the appliance of science to drumming as Darrin Mooney, the drummer from Primal Scream, was put through an incremental drumming test to the point of exhaustion whilst wearing the latest state-of-the-art sports science technology which measured the changes in his heart rate and oxygen uptake.
Dr Marcus Smith, Principal Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the University of Chichester said: “The Clem Burke Drumming Project welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the Cheltenham Science Festival and the London International Music Show. We were particularly pleased to be able to share with the general public our views relating to the science of drumming and how drumming may be used in the future to investigate important issues such as childhood obesity and autism.”
World-leading brain imagery scientist, Professor Steve Williams from Kings College London, has been working closely with Dr Marcus Smith and stated: “Patients with suboptimal brain function such as autism, dyspraxia or stroke may really benefit from this technology. Planning and learning these motor skills in such an entertaining manner may well enhance cognitive flexibility and facilitate recovery from an insult.”
Darrin Mooney said: “This test was very interesting for me because over the last six years or so Primal Scream’s music and touring schedule have become much more intense, which means I have to take many more things into consideration like my diet, enough sleep, and as I have got older I have even adjusted my set-up to try and relieve unwanted muscle and joint stress.
“I know it sounds strange but as I am getting older I am finding playing a two-hour, very fast show easier and easier. I put this down to practising almost every day for four hours in between tours, which saves any trips to the gym. I also believe the mental challenge of playing the drums to a high standard gives the brain a unique workout, as you are telling and forcing your brain to do things it’s really not wired to do naturally, and with all four limbs. Over the years I have had to work out systems which allow my brain to learn complicated rhythms and patterns. Some days after practising I feel mentally tired as well as physically tired.”
For more information please visit www.clemburkedrummingproject.com
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