Effects of Music-Based Physical Training on Selected Motor and Cognitive Abilities in seniors with Dementia-Results of an Intervention Pilot Study

Abstract

Background:The relevance of the treatment of dementia will increase significantly in the coming years. Although studies show that exercise and music produces positive effects on motor function and cognition in people with dementia, the preferred treatment for dementia is medication. Therefore, research into non-pharmacological treatment is important. There are first indications that the combination of music and physical exercise positively influence cognitive and motor skills. Our aim was to examine the effects of music-based physical training with innovative devices in seniors with dementia and the acceptance of this exercise programms.Methods: 11 Participants (81.82 ± 4.51 years, 11 women) with dementia performed a dance intervention twice weekly for 60 minutes over 12 weeks and a music-based strength endurance intervention after an eight-week wash-out period. Participants executed a strength-endurance training (SET) using the Body-Spider® and a dance training (DT) by a Sports and Dance Walker. Information processing speed and memory performances (CERAD-NP), motor reaction (Drop bar test), grip strength (hand dynamometer), mobility (Chair-Rising Test) and Quality of life (NOSGERII) were tested. Music has been used to control for movement frequency and intensity.Results: After the respective 3-month interventions, some significant improvements in the selected cognitive and motor functions were observed. After the dance intervention, verbal fluency (p = 0.014), recognition recalls (discriminability) (p = 0.04), and processing speed (p = 0.02) enhanced significantly. After the music-based strength intervention, hand strength on the right (p = 0.043) and motor responsiveness (p = 0.03) improved significantly. Quality of life decreased slightly but was not significant. Conclusion:Both dance-based (DT) and music-based strength-endurance training (SET) can stabilize and positively influence selected cognitive and motor skills in dementia patients. Mainly the stabilization of skills can be considered positive in dementia patients over such a period. Furthermore, the applicability of two music-based exercise programs could be demonstrated. In addition, the two exercise programs were shown to have different modes of action. A dance program influenced selected cognitive abilities, whereas a music-based strength endurance program stimulated selected motor abilities. The modes of action should be further investigated in subsequent studies.Trial registration Number: DRKS00016651, 05.03.2019, retrospectively registered.

Effects of dual-task resistance exercise on cognition, mood, depression, functional fitness, and activities of daily living in older adults with cognitive impairment: a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial

“…It comprises a three-stage frame of the upper, middle, and lower parts; therefore, it is capable of whole-body exercise in various directions. Body spider was also used to confirm the effects of exercise in older adults [ 34 ]. The experimental group performed a dual-task resistance exercise program to improve cognitive function, and the control group performed a resistance exercise program for the same period using the same equipment (Table 1 ; Fig.…”

Effects of remote combine exercise-music training on physical and cognitive performance in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized controlled trial

“…Recently, Higuti et al (2021) reported listening to music and practicing physical exercise for 12 weeks; one session per week (25-30 min) did not significantly change functional or cognitive performance in institutionalized older adults with dementia (Higuti et al, 2021). In contrast, some studies that have used more frequency (twice a week) and duration (one hour) of exercise and music sessions reported improvements in cognitive, psychological, and motor abilities in patients with mild to moderate dementia (Satoh et al, 2014(Satoh et al, , 2017Prinz et al, 2021). Therefore, a combination of music therapy and exercise as dual-task training can be an excellent option to improve AD patients' physical and cognitive fitness.…”