Effects of Drumming-Based Cognitive and Physical Training on Cognitive Performance and Brain Activity in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Source abstract
Abstract
Aging is associated with cognitive decline, significantly impacting quality of life. Drumming-based cognitive and physical training, a novel intervention, engages motor and cognitive circuits simultaneously, potentially improving executive functions and emotional regulation in older adults. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 40 participants aged 55 years and older, assigned to either an experimental group receiving drumming-based training or a control group undergoing conventional memory exercises. The intervention lasted four weeks, consisting of 30-min training sessions three times per week. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was employed to measure brain activity, while cognitive and emotional outcomes were assessed through standardized tests, including the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Task performance metrics, such as accuracy and success rates, were also recorded. Experimental group exhibited significant improvements in cognitive performance, including a greater number of correct answers (p = 0.0004) and a higher task success rate (p = 0.0001) compared to the control group. fNIRS data revealed increased oxygenated hemoglobin levels in the left orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) (p = 0.028). This study provides compelling evidence that a drumming-based cognitive and physical training program can lead to significant cognitive and emotional benefits in older adults.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Music Therapy and Health · Sleep and related disorders · Sleep and Wakefulness Research
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Department of Physical Therapy, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea
Digital Healthcare Institute, College of Health Sciences, Sun Moon University, Asan 31460, Republic of Korea
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea
Funding
National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF)
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