We think you can dance! A pilot randomised controlled trial of dance for nursing home residents with moderate to severe dementia. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Low, L.F.; Carroll, S.; Merom, D.; Baker, J.R.; Kochan, N.; Moran, F.; Brodaty, H.
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in medicine. Volume 29(2016)
• Page Start: 42
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Nursing homes -- Dementia -- Dance -- Cognition -- Exercise; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; Complementary Therapies -- Periodicals; Médecines parallèles -- Périodiques; Thérapeutique -- Périodiques; Alternative medicine; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.09.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-2299

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility of a dance program for people with moderate to severe dementia living in nursing homeswith regards to recruitment and retention, assessment tools, intervention safety, attendance and engagement. Design: Pilot randomised controlled trial with assessments at weeks 0, 16 and 32. Setting: A nursing home in Sydney, Australia. Interventions: Experienced dance teachers conducted dance groups (intervention) or music appreciation and socialisation groups (control) for 45 min, three times a week for 16 weeks. Main outcome measures: Descriptive statistics for recruitment and retention, adverse events and attendance and engagement. Results: Recruitment was smooth, attrition was17% over 32 weeks. Engagement during the sessions was high, and no serious falls or behavioural incidents occurred. Average attendance was poorer than anticipated for dance groups (67%) in comparison to music groups (89%). A ceiling effect on the Severe Impairment Battery and the logistical challenges of the Clinical Global Impression of Change meant they may not be optimal tools. Conclusions: It is feasible to conduct a study of group dance for people with moderate to severe dementia in residential care. Choice of attention control condition should be reconsidered.