A Randomized Controlled Trial of Music-Based Multitask Exercises (Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics) on Gait, Balance and Fall Risk in the Elderly

Background

Falls are among the most common and devastating concern facing older adults. The scope of this problem will continue to expand as the number of older adults is projected to increase dramatically over the coming decades. Since most falls occur as a result of a complex interaction of risk factors, considerable evidence documents that gait instability and poor balance capacity are two major contributors to falling. A large proportion of falls in elderly people are experienced while walking and, with advancing age, older adults are more likely to fall when they are engaged in concurrent tasks. Gait variability, particularly during dual-task walking conditions, may provide an objective measure to characterize impaired execution of gait, with greater variability placing older adults at increased risk of falling.

Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics, an approach to music education through movement developed by the composer Emile Jaques-Dalcroze (1865-1960) in Geneva in the early 20th century, is currently practiced worldwide in the field of music, as well as dance, theatre and therapy. Initially intended for music students, Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics soon expanded extensively to music education of children and adolescents all over the world. The main focus of this method are on developing rhythmicality and musicality as well as strengthening body awareness, coordination, expression, as verbal and social skills. Recently, Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics classes for older adults were developed. Those classes engage the elderly in varied multitask exercises performed to the rhythm of improvised piano music, sometimes with the manipulation of objects (e.g., instruments of percussion, balls). Basic exercises consist of walking following the music, responding directly to changes in music's rhythmic patterns. In a cross-sectional study performed in long-term Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics users, the age-related increase of stride-to-stride variability appeared to be attenuated (Kressig, 2005). The effectiveness of this intervention to achieve improvement in gait variability in older adults without previous experience of Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics need to be confirmed prospectively.

Method

This randomized controlled trial was designed to assess the efficacy of a 6-month community-based Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics program in improving gait and balance, and reducing fall risk in elderly people with an increased risk of falling. The primary objective is to assess the efficacy of the intervention in reducing gait variability. Change in gait variability under dual-task condition over 6 months is the primary endpoint. The main secondary objectives are to assess the effects on other quantitative gait and balance measures, functional tests performances, and falls.