Effects of Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics Program on Postural Stability in Elderly Women.

Participants were recruited through advertisements in local newspapers and on the Internet, and covered the Poznań Metropolitan Area, Poland. Following randomization using the computer program Statistica 13.4 (TIBCO Software Inc., Palo Alto, CA)., the participants were divided into two groups: Intervention Group (IG) and Control Group (CG). The participants' postural stability was investigated by determining their ability to control the displacement of the body's center of pressure (COP). For this purpose, the Balance Platform model AccuSway Plus was used, together with the Balance Trainer software. The system recorded changes in COP position in the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions. The sampling rate was set at 100 Hz. The COP is a reliable parameter for evaluating postural stability and upright balance control. The results of the four COP parameters described below were statistically analysed.

1. COP Path Length: sum of path lengths from the Subject Start Position to the intersection of the active target perimeter.
2. COP Area Deviation: sum of areas where the COP path deviates from the straight line that intersects the Subject Start and End Positions.
3. COP Total Time: time taken to complete the entire trial.
4. COP Reaction Time: average reaction time to cross the perimeter of target, measured from the activation of the next target.

Two measurement sessions were held: the first (baseline) took place during the week before starting the exercise programme and the second (12-week follow-up) straight after its finish. Women with IG participated in the exercise programme, while women with CG were advised not to change anything about their current lifestyle, and in particular not to undertake any new structured physical activity. Those conducting the measurements were unaware of the purpose of this study and the fact that the participants were divided into groups.

Training programme. Training sessions took place twice a week for 45 minutes each over a period of 12 weeks. Each training included rhythmic exercises using the Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics (JDE) method with piano accompaniment and electronically played music. Training sessions were conducted by a JDE specialist.

Balance Platform Test Participants had to perform a movement task while standing on a posturographic platform. A Feedback Balance Analysis protocol was used - the subjects saw a point on the screen that was a reflection of their COP. By tilting their body in different directions, they could observe changes in the position of their COP in real time. The participants' task was to do it in such a way as to direct their COP to the appropriate targets marked on the screen, in the right order.