Dance Intervention to Improve Executive Function and Physical Performance in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment

NCT ID: NCT07105800

Last Updated: 2025-08-06

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

50 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-09-01

Study Completion Date

2026-06-30

Brief Summary

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This pilot study investigates the effects of a music-based dance intervention on executive function and physical performance in middle-aged and older adults with cognitive impairment. Dance, as a form of dual-task training, integrates music, rhythmic movement, and cognitive-motor coordination. When combined with group interaction and partner-guided physical cues, it has the potential to enhance both cognitive and motor functions simultaneously.

The intervention features a simple, structured dance sequence designed to stimulate rhythm, attention, and coordination through music-based movement. This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of this approach in improving executive function and lower limb physical performance among individuals with cognitive impairment.

Detailed Description

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Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is an age-related condition that affects memory, judgment, and motor performance, often leading to reduced independence and quality of life. Recent studies have emphasized the interrelationship between cognitive and motor functions, particularly in individuals with neurodegenerative conditions. Interventions that incorporate dual-task training, such as dance, have shown promise in enhancing both domains by combining rhythmic movement, memory recall, physical coordination, and social interaction.

Dance-based interventions, especially those integrating music, external cues, and partner interaction, engage multiple brain regions including the frontal cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus. These programs stimulate sensory-motor integration and executive control, potentially improving attention, gait, balance, and cognitive flexibility. Existing evidence supports that rhythm- and music-based movement, when combined with cognitive tasks, can enhance brain function, promote emotional regulation, and improve daily functioning in cognitively impaired populations.

This study aims to examine the effects of a structured, music-based dance intervention on executive function and physical performance in middle-aged and older adults with cognitive impairment. The program integrates fixed dance routines with perceptual-motor training and social interaction.

A total of 50 middle-aged and older adults receiving outpatient rehabilitation at a medical center in northern Taiwan were recruited and randomly assigned to either the music-based dance intervention group (n = 25) or the control group (n = 25). The intervention group participated in a nine-week group-based program involving rhythmic movement, mutual physical guidance, and social interaction. The control group completed a nine-week lower limb intermittent exercise program guided by non-musical instructional videos.

Assessments were conducted at three time points: pre-intervention, mid-intervention, and post-intervention. Evaluation tools included:Four-Square Step Test (FSST), Functional Reach Test (FRT), Timed Up and Go - Cognitive (TUG-Cognitive), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Stroop Color and Word Test (SCWT), Modified Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), Course feedback questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant demographics. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine within-group and between-group differences over time. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics 26.0, with the significance level set at α \< 0.05.

Conditions

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Older Adults Cognitive Impairment, Mild

Study Design

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Allocation Method

NON_RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Music-based dance intervention group

The intervention group participated in a structured, nine-week group-based dance program designed to stimulate both cognitive and motor functions. Each 40-minute session was held twice per week and featured music-based rhythmic movement combined with fixed choreography. The dance routines emphasized perceptual-motor training through mutual physical guidance, spatial coordination, and social interaction among participants. The intervention aimed to enhance executive function, balance, and lower limb mobility by incorporating dual-task elements that challenge memory, attention, and physical control in a dynamic, enjoyable setting.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Music-based dance

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

The dance routines emphasized perceptual-motor training through mutual physical guidance, spatial coordination, and social interaction among participants. The intervention aimed to enhance executive function, balance, and lower limb mobility by incorporating dual-task elements that challenge memory, attention, and physical control in a dynamic, enjoyable setting.

Control group

The control group participated in a structured, nine-week lower limb exercise program that included intermittent strength and balance training. Sessions were delivered twice weekly through standardized, non-musical instructional videos to ensure consistency and minimize cognitive stimulation.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Control

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

The training content is delivered through standardized, non-musical instructional videos. Participants in the control group follow fixed video demonstrations to perform functional lower limb exercises. The movement components include independent lower limb strength training and balance training.

Interventions

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Music-based dance

The dance routines emphasized perceptual-motor training through mutual physical guidance, spatial coordination, and social interaction among participants. The intervention aimed to enhance executive function, balance, and lower limb mobility by incorporating dual-task elements that challenge memory, attention, and physical control in a dynamic, enjoyable setting.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Control

The training content is delivered through standardized, non-musical instructional videos. Participants in the control group follow fixed video demonstrations to perform functional lower limb exercises. The movement components include independent lower limb strength training and balance training.

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) with a score ≥5 on the SCD-Q9 questionnaire, or Mild Behavioral Impairment (MBI) with a score ≥7 on the MBI-Checklist, with symptoms persisting for more than three months.
* Ability to follow instructions.
* Ability to stand unsupported or with assistive devices for at least 10 minutes.
* Ability to walk at least 10 meters, either unsupported or with assistive devices.

Exclusion Criteria

* Severe visual or hearing impairment.
* Score \<16 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
* Emotional or anxiety symptoms caused by psychiatric medications that significantly impair the ability to perform study-related motor tasks.
Minimum Eligible Age

55 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Responsibility Role SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

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Fen-Ling Kuo

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University

Locations

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Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital

New Taipei City, , Taiwan

Site Status

Countries

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Taiwan

Central Contacts

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Fen-Ling Kuo, Master

Role: CONTACT

+88622490088 ext. 1624

ChiehYu Pan, Master

Role: CONTACT

+88622490088 ext. 1624

Facility Contacts

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Fen-Ling Kuo

Role: primary

+88622490088 ext. 1624

References

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Reference Type RESULT
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Wang RY, Huang YC, Zhou JH, Cheng SJ, Yang YR. Effects of Exergame-Based Dual-Task Training on Executive Function and Dual-Task Performance in Community-Dwelling Older People: A Randomized-Controlled Trial. Games Health J. 2021 Oct;10(5):347-354. doi: 10.1089/g4h.2021.0057. Epub 2021 Sep 1.

Reference Type RESULT
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Tsai JC, Chen CW, Chu H, Yang HL, Chung MH, Liao YM, Chou KR. Comparing the Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predictive Values of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini-Mental State Examination When Screening People for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Chinese Population. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2016 Aug;30(4):486-91. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2016.01.015. Epub 2016 Jan 21.

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Reference Type RESULT
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Outermans JC, van Peppen RP, Wittink H, Takken T, Kwakkel G. Effects of a high-intensity task-oriented training on gait performance early after stroke: a pilot study. Clin Rehabil. 2010 Nov;24(11):979-87. doi: 10.1177/0269215509360647. Epub 2010 Aug 18.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 20719820 (View on PubMed)

McGirr A, Nathan S, Ghahremani M, Gill S, Smith EE, Ismail Z. Progression to Dementia or Reversion to Normal Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment as a Function of Late-Onset Neuropsychiatric Symptoms. Neurology. 2022 May 24;98(21):e2132-e2139. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000200256. Epub 2022 Mar 29.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 35351783 (View on PubMed)

Lazarou I, Parastatidis T, Tsolaki A, Gkioka M, Karakostas A, Douka S, Tsolaki M. International Ballroom Dancing Against Neurodegeneration: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Greek Community-Dwelling Elders With Mild Cognitive impairment. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2017 Dec;32(8):489-499. doi: 10.1177/1533317517725813. Epub 2017 Aug 25.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 28840742 (View on PubMed)

Ilardi CR, Federico G, La Marra M, Amato R, Iavarone A, Soricelli A, Santangelo G, Chieffi S. Deficits in reaching movements under visual interference as a novel diagnostic marker for mild cognitive impairment. Sci Rep. 2025 Jan 14;15(1):1901. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-85785-7.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 39805990 (View on PubMed)

Hao L, Jia J, Xing Y, Han Y. An application study-subjective cognitive decline Questionnaire9 in detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Aging Ment Health. 2022 Oct;26(10):2014-2021. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1980860. Epub 2021 Sep 29.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 34583593 (View on PubMed)

Chang CF, Yang RJ, Chang SF, Chou YH, Huang EW. The Effects of Quality of Life and Ability to Perform Activities of Daily Living on Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older People Living in Publicly Managed Congregate Housing. J Nurs Res. 2017 Jun;25(3):187-197. doi: 10.1097/JNR.0000000000000149.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 28481814 (View on PubMed)

Cao K, Bay AA, Hajjar I, Wharton W, Goldstein F, Qiu D, Prusin T, McKay JL, Perkins MM, Hackney ME. Rationale and Design of the PARTNER Trial: Partnered Rhythmic Rehabilitation for Enhanced Motor-Cognition in Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2023;91(3):1019-1033. doi: 10.3233/JAD-220783.

Reference Type RESULT
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Reference Type RESULT
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Bisbe M, Fuente-Vidal A, Lopez E, Moreno M, Naya M, de Benetti C, Mila R, Bruna O, Boada M, Alegret M. Comparative Cognitive Effects of Choreographed Exercise and Multimodal Physical Therapy in Older Adults with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: Randomized Clinical Trial. J Alzheimers Dis. 2020;73(2):769-783. doi: 10.3233/JAD-190552.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 31868666 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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TMU-JIRBN202507032

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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