Music-based multicomponent exercise training for community-dwelling older adults with mild-to-moderate cognitive decline: a feasibility study

Abstract

Introduction: This study explored the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a music-based, multicomponent exercise intervention among community-dwelling older adults with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment.

Methods: 16 older adults aged 85±9 years with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment received music-based multicomponent exercise training for 20 weeks at an independent living facility. Participants received aerobic, resistance, and balance training paired with beat-accentuated music stimulation. Participants' adherence to the training was tracked down and their cognitive and physical functioning and health-related quality of life were assessed at pre- and post-test.

Results: 3 participants withdrew due to unexpected issues unrelated to the intervention and thus 13 participants (7 females) attended an average of 4.6 days/week over 20 weeks and reported high satisfaction with the intervention (90.6%). Participants showed significant improvement in global cognition, cognitive processing speed, and walking endurance/aerobic fitness at post-test.

Discussion: These findings support the feasibility of music-based, multicomponent exercise training for older adults in an independent living facility and set the stage for future studies to test the efficacy of music on physical activity and ensuing health outcomes. We conclude that music-based, multicomponent exercise training can be beneficial for community-dwelling older adults with mild-to-moderate cognitive decline. As a form of rhythmic auditory stimulation, beat-accentuated music can be combined with exercise training to manipulate exercise tempo and may provide a source of motivation to help older adults adhere to exercise.

Keywords: adherence; aerobic training; cognitive impairment; dementia; music therapy; physical activity; resistance training; rhythmic auditory stimulation.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Copyright © 2023 Park, Buseth, Hong and Etnier.

Figures

Figure 1

Box plots of cognitive and mental health outcomes at pre- and post-test; (A) MoCA total score, (B) MoCA Memory Index Score, (C) NIH Toolbox Pattern Comparison Processing Speed (PCPS) test, (D) NIH Toolbox Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention (FICA) test, (E) self-perceived overall health reported on the EQ visual analogue scale (VAS), and (F) EQ-5D Summary Score. The shapes of the distribution are shown on the boxes and whiskers. The box bounds the IQR divided by the median (solid horizontal line) and whiskers extend to a maximum of 1.5 × IQR beyond the box. Mean and standard errors are indicated by small, white squares and appended lines. Significant differences between pre- and post-test are indicated by *p < 0.05, ***p < 0.001.

Figure 2

Box plots of physical functioning outcomes at pre- and post-test; (A) 6-Minute Walk Test total distance (m), (B) Timed Up and Go test, (C) 4-Stage Balance Test, and (D) 30-Second Chair Stand test. The shapes of distribution are shown on the boxes and whiskers. The box bounds the IQR divided by median (solid horizontal line) and whiskers extend to a maximum of 1.5 × IQR beyond the box. Mean and standard errors are indicated by small, white squares and appended lines. Significant differences between pre- and post-test are indicated by *p < 0.05.