Pilot Testing of Tone Dance: A Culturally Adapted Group-Based Physical Activity Program for Older Adults With...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Older adults with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) often exhibit reduced physical activity (PA), elevating the risk of cognitive impairment.
• This study addresses the need for effective interventions to support cognitive health in this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot test and evaluate a culturally adapted, group-based, moderate-intensity PA program (Tone Dance).
• To examine the program's effects on daily PA, cognitive lapses, and cognitive functioning in older adults with SCD.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design involved 64 older adults with SCD, split into an intervention (Tone Dance) and a control group.
• The intervention comprised a 7-week, 14-session Tone Dance program; feasibility and preliminary outcomes (PA, cognitive lapses, cognitive functioning) were assessed.

Main Results:

• The Tone Dance program was feasible, with high participant satisfaction and no adverse events.
• Participants in the intervention group showed significant increases in daily PA and reductions in cognitive lapses compared to the control group.
• No significant differences in overall cognitive functioning were observed between the groups post-intervention.

Conclusions:

• Culturally adapted, group-based PA interventions effectively enhance daily PA and decrease cognitive lapses in older adults.
• Such programs offer a practical strategy for nurses and health practitioners to promote PA and cognitive well-being in older populations.