Impact of a group-singing program on older adult health
Methods: We are using a pre and post-test quasi-experimental design in this research study. Developed by the investigator, the intervention was a 75-minute/week for 12 weeks, group-singing program. The program consists of pre-singing exercises, song-singing and learning, and socialization. Inclusion criteria are age ≥ 60, no diagnosis of dementia, and being able to hear conversations within 2 feet. Older adults were recruited from 3 senior living communities in the Pudget Sound area. Outcome measures includes lung function, cognitive function, QoL, and program feasibility and receptibility. Cognitive function is measured with Verbal Fluency Test (VFT), CERAD 10-Word Recall Test (WRT), and Trail Making Tests (TMT A & B forms). A portable spirometer and a digital respiratory pressure meter are used to evaluate pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength. The CASP-19 questionnaire measures QoL. Program feasibility and acceptability will be evaluated with a study exit survey. A paired t-test with 2-sided alpha level at 0.05 will be used to test the null hypotheses, while linear regression will be used for exploratory analysis.
Preliminary Results:Forty-nine adults were enrolled (mean age 83.5 ± 6.3; range: 63-96); 39 (80%) were female and 40 (82%) reported one or more chronic health conditions. The current retention rate is 82%: 9 participants dropped due to deteoriating health, schedule conflicts, measurement burdens and expection discrepancy. Five participants were not within the age range (age>90) for current FEV1 referenced values, and one refused pulmonary testing. Three participants with macular degeneration could not complete the TMT. Baseline mean results were: FEV1 was 91% ± 30% (range 50%-193%); female maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) was 33.53 mmH2O ± 15.14 (range 4-65); male maxium expiratory pressure (MEP) was 50.58 mmH2O ± 17.35 (range 7-89); male MIP was 64.60 ± 21.19 (range 33-100); male MEP was 71 ± 31.73 (range 32-131); mean VFT was 62.76 ± 17.22 (range 26-105); WRT was 18.37 ± 4.48 (range 10-26); TMT-A was 53.02 ± 20.12 (range 26-120); TMT-B was 140.78 ± 73.56 (range 57-300); and CASP-19 was 44.67 ± 5.27 (range 32-55). Forty of the 49 participants have completed the program. Data collection is in process with 9 participants finishing by December, 2014. Post-program data will be available March 2015.
Conclusion/implications: Most of the participants have healthy lungs. Baseline results of cognitive function tests and QoL are comparable with norms, although variations among the participants were observed. Good retention rate implies the program is well-accepted. In the future, researchers need to re-consider measures used due to sensory declines in this population.