rhythmically entrained exercise in community-dwelling older adults

Conditions: Exercise; Gait; Cognitive Decline; Caregiver Burden; Cognitive Impairment; Dementia; Alzheimer Disease; Mild Cognitive Impairment; Respite Care; Mental Health; Depression; Music Therapy; Psychosocial Intervention; Cognition; Geriatric Assessment; Cognitive Dysfunction; Cognitive Aging; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Balance; Fall; Walking; Affect; Physical Exertion; Memory Deficit; Memory Disorders; Memory Impairment; Neuropsychological Tests; Executive Function; Middle Aged; Healthy Aging; Elderly

Summary: researchers at the university of north carolina at greensboro conduct a single-arm intervention trial to investigate the efficacy of a music-based group exercise program for community-dwelling older adults. up to forty participants will be recruited to participate in a music-based light-to-moderate intensity group exercise program for 20 weeks (30 - 40 min/day, up to 6 days/week), which is designed for older adults with or without functional limitations to exercise with chairs for the improvement of aerobic capacity, upper and lower body strength, and balance control at a gradually increasing pace. during the exercise sessions, participants will be trained to move in time with music playlists in synchronous tempos. primary outcomes are cognitive performance, mobility, and health-related quality of life measured before and after the intervention. secondary outcomes are adherence to the exercise program as a potential mediator of the treatment.

researchers at the university of north carolina at greensboro are conducting a single-arm intervention trial to investigate the efficacy of a music-based group exercise program for community-dwelling older adults. up to forty participants will be recruited to participate in a music-based light-to-moderate intensity group exercise program for 20 weeks (30 - 40 min/day, up to 6 days/week), which is designed for older adults with or without functional limitations to exercise with chairs for the improvement of aerobic capacity, upper and lower body strength, and balance control at a gradually increasing pace. during the exercise sessions, participants will be trained to move in time with music playlists in synchronous tempos. primary outcomes are cognitive performance, mobility, and health-related quality of life measured before and after the intervention. secondary outcomes are adherence to the exercise program as a potential mediator of the treatment. the research team aims to determine whether (1) a music-based light-to-moderate intensity group exercise intervention beneficially impacts mobility, cognitive function, and health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults; (2) the treatment effect is mediated by adherence to physical activity; and (3) the treatment effect is moderated by cognitive impairment or functional limitations.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * 55 - 99 years old * capable of being ambulatory with or without an assistive device. * no cardiac or pulmonary conditions or any neurological or musculoskeletal comorbidity or pain that would make light-intensity exercise dangerous, determined by the physical activity readiness questionnaire for everyone or confirmed by their local medical practitioner if necessary. * having adequate hearing for a conversation (including with hearing aids) * capable of following the study procedures * no severe anxiety or depression * mild to moderate cognitive impairment exclusion criteria: * age younger than 55 or older than 99 * severe anxiety or depression * severe cognitive impairment

Keywords: physical activity rhythmic entrainment synchronous music rhythmic auditory stimulation rhythmic auditory cue gait training mobility movement perceived exertion musical pleasure groove memory executive function older adults