Effects of Music-Based Physical Training on Selected Motor and Cognitive Abilities in seniors with Dementia-Results of an Intervention Pilot Study

Background: The relevance of the treatment of dementia will increase significantly in the coming years. Although studies show that exercise and music produces positive effects on motor function and cognition in people with dementia, the preferred treatment for dementia is medication. Therefore, research into non-pharmacological treatment is important. There are first indications that the combination of music and physical exercise positively influence cognitive and motor skills. Our aim was to examine the effects of music-based physical training with innovative devices in seniors with dementia and the acceptance of this exercise programms. Methods: 11 Participants (81.82 ± 4.51 years, 11 women) with dementia performed a dance intervention twice weekly for 60 minutes over 12 weeks and a music-based strength endurance intervention after an eight-week wash-out period. Participants executed a strength-endurance training (SET) using the Body-Spider® and a dance training (DT) by a Sports and Dance Walker. Information processing speed and memory performances (CERAD-NP), motor reaction (Drop bar test), grip strength (hand dynamometer), mobility (Chair-Rising Test) and Quality of life (NOSGERII) were tested. Music has been used to control for movement frequency and intensity. Results: After the respective 3-month interventions, some significant improvements in the selected cognitive and motor functions were observed. After the dance intervention, verbal fluency (p = 0.014), recognition recalls (discriminability) (p = 0.04), and processing speed (p = 0.02) enhanced significantly. After the music-based strength intervention, hand strength on the right (p = 0.043) and motor responsiveness (p = 0.03) improved significantly. Quality of life decreased slightly but was not significant. Conclusion: Both dance-based (DT) and music-based strength-endurance training (SET) can stabilize and positively influence selected cognitive and motor skills in dementia patients. Mainly the stabilization of skills can be considered positive in dementia patients over such a period. Furthermore, the applicability of two music-based exercise programs could be demonstrated. In addition, the two exercise programs were shown to have different modes of action. A dance program influenced selected cognitive abilities, whereas a music-based strength endurance program stimulated selected motor abilities. The modes of action should be further investigated in subsequent studies. Trial registration Number: DRKS00016651, 05.03.2019, retrospectively registered.