Effects of Walking Program with Dance on Gait, Cognition, and Risk of Falls of Elderly with Dementia in a Long-term Care Hospital

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the effects walking program with dance on gait, cognition, and risk of falls of elderly with dementia in a long-term care hospital. METHODS: Subjects consisted of 42 elderly with dementia in a long-term care hospital (21 elderly with dementia in an experimental group and 21 elders with dementia in a control group). Data were collected from March 14 to April 30, 2016. Subjects in the experimental group performed walking program with dance (three times a week, 30–50 minutes session, 18 sessions). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test, paired t-test, repeated measures ANOVA with the SPSS/WIN 21.0. RESULTS: The participants in the experimental group showed significantly increased scores of cadence (F=8.36, p=.007) and improved scores of cognition (F=9.95, p=.003) compared the control group. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate walking program with dance is recommend a regular exercise program to enhance the cadence associated with walking speed and cognitive function elderly.