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.
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.
Study summary
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.
Eligibility
Sex
ALL
Min age
55 Years
Max age
—
Healthy volunteers
No
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:-Age below 55 years.
* 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.
Primary outcome measure(s)
Montreal Cognitive Assessment — Baseline, mid-intervention (week 5), and one week post-intervention (week 10) The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a widely used screening tool for detecting Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). It evaluates seven cognitive domains through 12 subtests, including: visuospatial and executive Function (e.g., cube copying and clock drawing), naming (e.g., visual confrontation naming), attention and Concentration (e.g., digit span, vigilance tasks), language (e.g., sentence repetition and verbal fluency), abstract Reasoning (e.g., similarity identification), memory (immediate and delayed recall), orientation (temporal and spatial). A total score of 26 or above is considered within the normal cognitive range. According to previous studies, a cut-off score of 24 offers optimal discrimination for MCI, with a reported sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 78%.
Trial sites (1)
Facility
City
Region
Status
Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital
New Taipei City
Taiwan
Recruiting
More Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital trials in Taiwan
This page summarises publicly available registry data for informational purposes — not medical advice. Eligibility is determined by each study team; patients should discuss participation with their clinician.
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