Physical Exercise and Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics: Effects on Physical and Cognitive Functions, and Falls in Seniors

Physical Exercise and Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics: Effects on Physical and Cognitive Functions, and Falls in Seniors (EPHYCOS Study)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and the possible mechanisms underlying music-based multitask training (i.e., Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics) in older people, compared to multicomponent exercise training.

This study is designed as a 12-month, prospective, single-centre, single-blind, 2-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled trial in which 140 community-dwelling older adults at high risk of falls are randomly assigned to receive either a music-based multitask training intervention (i.e., Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics) or a multicomponent exercise training intervention, for 12 months. A 12-month follow-up is planned with outcome measures assessed at three time points: baseline (before intervention initiation), 6-month (intervention mid-point), and 12-month (intervention termination). Outcomes of interest include physical and cognitive performances, and falls. In addition, the investigators specifically address brain circuits in an exploratory sub-study. Volunteer trial participants from both study arms are invited to undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at baseline and 12-month.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged ≥ 65 years (no upper age limit)
• living in the community, even in protected housing
• identified as being at high risk of falls (i.e., one or more self-reported falls after the age of 65 years or balance impairment as assessed by a simplified Tinetti test or presence of one or two indicators of physical frailty based on Fried's criteria)
• willing to comply with all study requirements

Exclusion Criteria:

• neurological or orthopaedic disease (e.g., stroke with residual motor deficit, Parkinson's disease) with a significant impact on gait and balance performances
• fully dependent on a technical aid for walking such as canes or walker
• diagnosis of dementia based on a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment
• participation in a Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics program or a supervised multicomponent exercise program in the past 12 months
• serious medical conditions or other factors that may limit adherence to interventions or affect conduct of the trial (e.g., terminal illness)