@article{ref1,
title="A 9-week Jaques-Dalcroze eurhythmics intervention improves single and dual-task gait speed in community-dwelling older people",
journal="Journal of physical activity and health",
year="2017",
author="Ferguson-Stegall, Lisa and Vang, Mandy and Wolfe, Anthony S. and Thomsen, Kathy M.",
volume="14",
number="9",
pages="740-744",
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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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. <br><br>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.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1543-3080",
doi="10.1123/jpah.2017-0416",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2017-0416"
}