Rhythmically Entrained Exercise in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Efficacy of Rhythmically Entrained Exercise in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

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.

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