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Physical Exercise and Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics: Effects on Physical and Cognitive Functions, and Falls in Seniors

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Physical Function
Cognitive Function
Falls
Interventions
Behavioral: Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics training
Behavioral: Multicomponent exercise training
Registration Number
NCT01811745
Lead Sponsor
University Hospital, Geneva
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and the possible mechanisms underlying music-based multitask training (i.e., Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics) in older people, compared to multicomponent exercise training.

This study is designed as a 12-month, prospective, single-centre, single-blind, 2-arm, parallel group, randomized controlled trial in which 140 community-dwelling older adults at high risk of falls are randomly assigned to receive either a music-based multitask training intervention (i.e., Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics) or a multicomponent exercise training intervention, for 12 months. A 12-month follow-up is planned with outcome measures assessed at three time points: baseline (before intervention initiation), 6-month (intervention mid-point), and 12-month (intervention termination). Outcomes of interest include physical and cognitive performances, and falls. In addition, the investigators specifically address brain circuits in an exploratory sub-study. Volunteer trial participants from both study arms are invited to undergo functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at baseline and 12-month.

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
142
Inclusion Criteria
  • aged ≥ 65 years (no upper age limit)
  • living in the community, even in protected housing
  • identified as being at high risk of falls (i.e., one or more self-reported falls after the age of 65 years or balance impairment as assessed by a simplified Tinetti test or presence of one or two indicators of physical frailty based on Fried's criteria)
  • willing to comply with all study requirements
Exclusion Criteria
  • neurological or orthopaedic disease (e.g., stroke with residual motor deficit, Parkinson's disease) with a significant impact on gait and balance performances
  • fully dependent on a technical aid for walking such as canes or walker
  • diagnosis of dementia based on a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment
  • participation in a Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics program or a supervised multicomponent exercise program in the past 12 months
  • serious medical conditions or other factors that may limit adherence to interventions or affect conduct of the trial (e.g., terminal illness)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics trainingJaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics trainingOnce-weekly 60-min Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics class, for 12 months.
Multicomponent exercise trainingMulticomponent exercise trainingOnce-weekly 60-min multicomponent exercise class supplemented by one 30-min home-based exercise session, for 12 months.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in gait variability under dual-task condition6 months, 12 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in balance performances (quantitative balance analysis)6 months, 12 months
Change in functional tests performances (Timed Up & Go test and Short Physical Performance Battery)6 months, 12 months
Change in cognitive performances (comprehensive neuropsychological battery assessing different aspects of executive functioning)6 months, 12 months
Change in anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale)6 months, 12 months
Incidence of falls and fractures (prospective daily recording using calendars, to be returned monthly)6 months, 12 months
Change in gait performances (quantitative gait analysis under single and dual-task conditions)6 months, 12 months
Change in fear of falling (Short-FESI)6 months, 12 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Bone Diseases Service, Geneva University Hospitals

🇨🇭

Geneva, Switzerland

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