Citation

Ferguson-Stegall L, Vang M, Wolfe AS, Thomsen KM. J. Phys. Act. Health 2017; 14(9): 740-744.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jpah.2017-0416

PMID

28885115

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Falls are a major public health concern among older adults, and most occur while walking, especially under dualtask conditions. Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics (JDE) is a music-based movement training program that emphasizes multitask coordinated movement. A previous 6-mo JDE study in older people demonstrated improved gait and balance; however, the effects of short-term JDE interventions on fall risk-related outcomes are largely unknown. We conducted a preliminary investigation on whether a 9-week JDE intervention improved gait and stability in a community-dwelling older cohort, hypothesizing that improvements would occur in all outcome measures.

METHODS: Nine participants (78.9 ± 12.3 y) completed the supervised JDE intervention (once/week for 60 min). Gait speed was determined by the 6-m timed walk test (6MTW); dual-task gait speed was determined by another 6MTW while counting backward from 50 aloud; and coordinated stability was assessed using a Swaymeter-like device.

RESULTS: Gait speed (0.92 ± 0.11 vs 1.04 ± 0.12 m/sec, P =.04) and dual-task gait speed (0.77 ± 0.09 vs 0.92 ± 0.11 m/sec, P =.0005) significantly improved.

CONCLUSIONS: This novel intervention is an effective short-term physical activity option for those that plan physical activity or fall-risk reduction programs for the older people.

Language: en

Keywords

aging; fall risk; normal walk speed