Rhythmically Entrained Exercise in Community-Dwelling Older Adults (REECO)

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.

Exercise, Gait, Cognitive Decline, Caregiver Burden, Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, Alzheimer Disease, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Respite Care, Mental Health, Depression, Music Therapy, Psychosocial Intervention, Cognition, Geriatric Assessment, Cognitive Dysfunction, Cognitive Aging, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Balance, Fall, Walking, Affect, Physical Exertion, Memory Deficit, Memory Disorders, Memory Impairment, Neuropsychological Tests, Executive Function, Middle Aged, Healthy Aging, Elderly

Physical Activity, Rhythmic Entrainment, Synchronous Music, Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation, Rhythmic Auditory Cue, Gait Training, Mobility, Movement, Perceived Exertion, Musical Pleasure, Groove, Memory, Executive Function, Older Adults

Participants will be invited to participate in a music-based group exercise program for 20 weeks (30 - 40 min/day, up to 6 days/week).

Participants will be asked to participate in a music-based group exercise program for 24 weeks (up to 6 days/week, 30 - 45 min/day), which is designed for older adults with functional limitations to safely exercise on a chair or in a supported standing posture for the improvement of aerobic capacity, upper and lower body strength, and balance control at a gradually increasing pace based on the tempo of the beat-accented synchronous music playlists.

Participants will be asked to join a music-based group exercise program for 24 weeks (up to 6 days/week, 30 - 45 min/day), which is designed for older adults with functional limitations to safely exercise on a chair or in a supported standing posture for the improvement of aerobic capacity, upper and lower body strength, and balance control at a gradually increasing pace in synchrony with music.

Participants' cognitive function will be measured through Montreal Cognitive Assessment , Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention test, and Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test.

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