Dance Intervention to Improve Executive Function and Physical Performance in Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment

NCT07105800 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: TMU-JIRBN202507032
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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.

Conditions

Older Adults; Cognitive Impairment, Mild

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Montreal Cognitive Assessment

  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%.

  Baseline, mid-intervention (week 5), and one week post-intervention (week 10)

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Four-Square Step Test

  Baseline, mid-intervention (week 5), and one week post-intervention (week 10)

• Timed Up and Go - Cognitive

  Baseline, mid-intervention (week 5), and one week post-intervention (week 10)

• Functional Reach Test

  Baseline, mid-intervention (week 5), and one week post-intervention (week 10)

• Stroop Color and Word Test

  Baseline, mid-intervention (week 5), and one week post-intervention (week 10)

• Course Feedback Questionnaire

  One week post-intervention (week 10)

Study Arms (2)

Music-based dance intervention group

EXPERIMENTAL

The intervention group participated in a structured, nine-week group-based dance program designed to stimulate both cognitive and motor functions. Each 40-minute session was held twice per week and featured music-based rhythmic movement combined with fixed choreography. 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.

Behavioral: Music-based dance

Control group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

The control group participated in a structured, nine-week lower limb exercise program that included intermittent strength and balance training. Sessions were delivered twice weekly through standardized, non-musical instructional videos to ensure consistency and minimize cognitive stimulation.

Behavioral: Control

Interventions

Music-based dance BEHAVIORAL

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.

Music-based dance intervention group

Control BEHAVIORAL

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.

Control group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 55 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• 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.

You may not qualify if:

• 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.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Taipei Medical University Shuang Ho Hospital

New Taipei City, Taiwan, 235, Taiwan

RECRUITING

Related Publications (13)

• Woods B, Rai HK, Elliott E, Aguirre E, Orrell M, Spector A. Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2023 Jan 31;1(1):CD005562. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005562.pub3.

  PMID: 39804128 RESULT

• Wang RY, Huang YC, Zhou JH, Cheng SJ, Yang YR. Effects of Exergame-Based Dual-Task Training on Executive Function and Dual-Task Performance in Community-Dwelling Older People: A Randomized-Controlled Trial. Games Health J. 2021 Oct;10(5):347-354. doi: 10.1089/g4h.2021.0057. Epub 2021 Sep 1.

  PMID: 34491113 RESULT

• Tsai JC, Chen CW, Chu H, Yang HL, Chung MH, Liao YM, Chou KR. Comparing the Sensitivity, Specificity, and Predictive Values of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Mini-Mental State Examination When Screening People for Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia in Chinese Population. Arch Psychiatr Nurs. 2016 Aug;30(4):486-91. doi: 10.1016/j.apnu.2016.01.015. Epub 2016 Jan 21.

  PMID: 27455923 RESULT

• Sanprakhon P, Suriyawong W, Longphasuk N, Khatichop N, Arpaichiraratana C, Wongwiseskul S, Rattanaselanon P, Pipatpiboon N, Thaipisuttikul P. Effects of traditional Thai folk dance combined with cognitive stimulation program on behavior and cognition among older adults with cognitive decline: A randomized controlled trial. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2025 Apr;12(4):100066. doi: 10.1016/j.tjpad.2025.100066. Epub 2025 Jan 17.

  PMID: 39824702 RESULT

• Outermans JC, van Peppen RP, Wittink H, Takken T, Kwakkel G. Effects of a high-intensity task-oriented training on gait performance early after stroke: a pilot study. Clin Rehabil. 2010 Nov;24(11):979-87. doi: 10.1177/0269215509360647. Epub 2010 Aug 18.

  PMID: 20719820 RESULT

• McGirr A, Nathan S, Ghahremani M, Gill S, Smith EE, Ismail Z. Progression to Dementia or Reversion to Normal Cognition in Mild Cognitive Impairment as a Function of Late-Onset Neuropsychiatric Symptoms. Neurology. 2022 May 24;98(21):e2132-e2139. doi: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000200256. Epub 2022 Mar 29.

  PMID: 35351783 RESULT

• Lazarou I, Parastatidis T, Tsolaki A, Gkioka M, Karakostas A, Douka S, Tsolaki M. International Ballroom Dancing Against Neurodegeneration: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Greek Community-Dwelling Elders With Mild Cognitive impairment. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2017 Dec;32(8):489-499. doi: 10.1177/1533317517725813. Epub 2017 Aug 25.

  PMID: 28840742 RESULT

• Ilardi CR, Federico G, La Marra M, Amato R, Iavarone A, Soricelli A, Santangelo G, Chieffi S. Deficits in reaching movements under visual interference as a novel diagnostic marker for mild cognitive impairment. Sci Rep. 2025 Jan 14;15(1):1901. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-85785-7.

  PMID: 39805990 RESULT

• Hao L, Jia J, Xing Y, Han Y. An application study-subjective cognitive decline Questionnaire9 in detecting mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Aging Ment Health. 2022 Oct;26(10):2014-2021. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2021.1980860. Epub 2021 Sep 29.

  PMID: 34583593 RESULT

• Chang CF, Yang RJ, Chang SF, Chou YH, Huang EW. The Effects of Quality of Life and Ability to Perform Activities of Daily Living on Mild Cognitive Impairment in Older People Living in Publicly Managed Congregate Housing. J Nurs Res. 2017 Jun;25(3):187-197. doi: 10.1097/JNR.0000000000000149.

  PMID: 28481814 RESULT

• Cao K, Bay AA, Hajjar I, Wharton W, Goldstein F, Qiu D, Prusin T, McKay JL, Perkins MM, Hackney ME. Rationale and Design of the PARTNER Trial: Partnered Rhythmic Rehabilitation for Enhanced Motor-Cognition in Prodromal Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis. 2023;91(3):1019-1033. doi: 10.3233/JAD-220783.

  PMID: 36530084 RESULT

• Bracco L, Pinto-Carral A, Hillaert L, Mourey F. Tango-therapy vs physical exercise in older people with dementia; a randomized controlled trial. BMC Geriatr. 2023 Oct 24;23(1):693. doi: 10.1186/s12877-023-04342-x.

  PMID: 37875856 RESULT

• Bisbe M, Fuente-Vidal A, Lopez E, Moreno M, Naya M, de Benetti C, Mila R, Bruna O, Boada M, Alegret M. Comparative Cognitive Effects of Choreographed Exercise and Multimodal Physical Therapy in Older Adults with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment: Randomized Clinical Trial. J Alzheimers Dis. 2020;73(2):769-783. doi: 10.3233/JAD-190552.

  PMID: 31868666 RESULT

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cognitive Dysfunction

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Cognition Disorders; Neurocognitive Disorders; Mental Disorders

Study Officials

• Fen-Ling Kuo

  Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Central Study Contacts

Fen-Ling Kuo, Master

CONTACT

+88622490088; 08655@s.tmu.edu.tw

ChiehYu Pan, Master

CONTACT

+88622490088; 08411@s.tmu.edu.tw

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: July 30, 2025
• First Posted: August 6, 2025
• Study Start: November 1, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): June 30, 2026
• Last Updated: April 28, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-07

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TW (1)