Dance, Music, and Social Conversation Program Participation Positively Affects Physical and Mental Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: As the world population ages, practitioners use community-engaged interventions to help older adults stay healthy. Engaging in arts programs (e.g., dance or music) reportedly improves physical and mental health, but little research exists examining these effects in community-dwelling older adults. Our purposes were to examine how taking part in 10-week, twice per week community arts programs (dance and music) and control (social conversation) affected physical and mental health in community-dwelling older adults and their perceptions after program participation.Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 64 older adults over 65 years of age (71.3 ± 4.6 years, 166.9 ± 8.3 cm, 78.1 ± 18.1 kg) took part in community-engaged arts programs: ballroom dance (n = 23), music (ukulele-playing, n = 17), or control (social conversation n = 24), two times per week for 10 weeks. Participants’ physical health using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB; score 0 = worst to 12 = best) and mental health using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA; score = 0 to 30, where less than 26 = normal) were tested three times: 1. before (pre), 2. at the end of 10 weeks (post-1), and 3. 1 month after intervention (post-2). Separate 3 (group) x 3 (time) ANOVAs and adjusted Bonferroni pairwise comparisons as appropriate examined changes across groups and time. Focus group interviews and surveys were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive thematic analyses to examine participants’ perceptions. Results: Across all groups, participants had an 87.8% attendance and an 87.5% retention rate. Participants’ SPPB performance improved over time (pre = 10.5 ± 1.4, post-1 = 10.7 ± 1.3, post-2 = 11.3 ± 1.0; p < 0.001), but similarly across groups (p = 0.40). Post-hoc analyses revealed that performance improved from pre to post-1 (p = 0.002) and pre to post-2 (p < 0.001). Participants’ cognition improved over time (pre = 26.3 ± 2.8, post-1 = 27.3 ± 2.6, post-2 = 27.5 ± 2.5, p < 0.001), and similarly across groups (p = 0.60). Post-hoc analyses revealed that cognition improved from pre- to post-1 (p = 0.002), and pre- to post-2 (p = 0.001). Participants consistently mentioned increased social engagement as the major reason for participation.Conclusions: Overall, taking part in community-engaged arts (dance and music) and social conversation programs positively influenced physical and mental health in older adults. Still, as all groups improved equally, the results may partly be due to participants having normal physical and mental function pre-participation and due to them learning the test over time. These study findings imply that providing fun and free community-engaged programs that empower participants to be more engaged can positively influence physical and mental health and promote successful aging in older adults.

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and learning and memory deficits in Neuroinflammatory diseases

“…Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have shown that structural changes, such as the decline in the volume of the prefrontal areas and hippocampus during aging, can predict a person’s cognitive performance ( Raz et al, 1997 ; Morrison and Baxter, 2012 ). New approaches tested to maintain or improve cognitive abilities during aging include hormonal supplementation ( Foster et al, 2003 ), magnetic brain stimulation, oxygen therapy ( Yang C. et al, 2023 ), cognitive stimulation using computer-assisted programs ( Curlik 2nd and Shors, 2013 ; Clemenson and Stark, 2015 ; Nebot et al, 2022 ), guided exercise, music and dance therapy ( Thumuluri et al, 2021 ; Aguinaga et al, 2022 ; Ambegaonkar et al, 2022 ; Kennedy et al, 2022 ; Li et al, 2022 ; Rodziewicz-Flis et al, 2022 ; Vega-Avila et al, 2022 ; Wang et al, 2022 ; Zhu Y. et al, 2022 ; Blanco-Rambo et al, 2023 ), and diets containing natural antioxidant compounds ( Kumar et al, 2012 ; Maki, 2012 ; Smith et al, 2014 ; Barreto et al, 2017 ; Phipps et al, 2021 ; Tao et al, 2023 ; Tchekalarova and Tzoneva, 2023 ).…”

Moving Together - benefits of an online dance program on physical and mental health for older adults: a mixed-method study

“…More specifically, unlike the majority of other types of physical activity, dance is an aesthetic form that allows for creative expression and is socially engaging [8]. Dancing can result in physical benefits comparable with those of formal exercise training [9], and has been found to improve social engagement and HRQOL [7,10,11]. In addition, Keogh and colleagues found that dance improved the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of individuals [12], and Ambegoankar et al 2022 found that weekly dance sessions had a positive impact on physical health and cognition for community dwelling older adults [7].…”

“…Previous research has shown that arts and arts-based activities can positively impact physical and mental health outcomes by fostering creativity and promoting meaningful social engagement, both of which can improve HRQOL [7]. More specifically, unlike the majority of other types of physical activity, dance is an aesthetic form that allows for creative expression and is socially engaging [8].…”

“…Dancing can result in physical benefits comparable with those of formal exercise training [9], and has been found to improve social engagement and HRQOL [7,10,11]. In addition, Keogh and colleagues found that dance improved the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of individuals [12], and Ambegoankar et al 2022 found that weekly dance sessions had a positive impact on physical health and cognition for community dwelling older adults [7]. Comprehensive assessment of dance activities and movementbased therapies frequently assess improvement according to physiological benchmarks [12].…”

“…Online interventions can facilitate social support and connectivity by connecting likeminded individuals or groups who are also interested in becoming more physically active [13]. Social support can provide individuals with motivation, accountability, and a sense of belonging, which can help them stay on track with their physical activity goals [15] and support independent lifestyles and healthy aging [7]. Furthermore, online interventions allow more flexibility in terms of when and where to engage in physical activity [14], factors that are especially important for individuals who may not have access to traditional exercise facilities and would like to exercise from home [13] , or who otherwise face challenges leaving their home.…”