Theater is a complex, multi-component performing art. On stage, actors not only need to memorize the script, but also be able to portray emotion and feeling through movement and move in whichever manner is deemed appropriate by the script. Acting therefore requires as much movement as it does vocalization. As training exercises in theater naturally involve boosting physical, cognitive and affective function, and social relationships, theater experience can be used to promote health and wellness. Over the last two decades, there has been an increase in the use of theater to promote health and wellness among older adults. Thus, the overall aim of this project is to evaluate the therapeutic benefits of a 10-week theory-based theater program on physical functioning and emotional stress among older adults. Hypothesis #1: Older adults residing in subsidized housing who participate in a theory-based theater program will demonstrate better physical functioning, and reduction in emotional stress than wait-list controls at the conclusion of a 10-week theater program. Hypothesis #2: The positive impact of the theater program on the residents' improved physical functioning and stress level will be maintained at 3-month follow-up.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
84
10-week theory-based theater program designed to improve their physical functioning and reduce emotional stress.
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Timed Up-and-Go
The "timed Up-and-Go" (TUG) is a composite measure of functional mobility, including lower extremity power, balance, gait, and fall risk. Measured in absolute time (seconds), where lower time is a better score.
Time frame: baseline
Timed Up-and-Go
The "timed Up-and-Go" (TUG) is a composite measure of functional mobility, including lower extremity power, balance, gait, and fall risk. Measured in absolute time (seconds), where lower time is a better score.
Time frame: immediately post-intervention
Timed Up-and-Go
The "timed Up-and-Go" (TUG) is a composite measure of functional mobility, including lower extremity power, balance, gait, and fall risk. Measured in absolute time (seconds), where lower time is a better score.
Time frame: 3-month follow up
Medical Outcomes Study Short Form
The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, version 2 (SF-36v2) is a 36 item patient reported outcome measure of health-related quality of life in 8 different domains. Scores range from 0 to 100, with high scores indicating more positive health.
Time frame: baseline
Medical Outcomes Study Short Form
The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, version 2 (SF-36v2) is a 36 item patient reported outcome measure of health-related quality of life in 8 different domains. Scores range from 0 to 100, with high scores indicating more positive health.
Time frame: immediately post-intervention
Medical Outcomes Study Short Form
The Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, version 2 (SF-36v2) is a 36 item patient reported outcome measure of health-related quality of life in 8 different domains. Scores range from 0 to 100, with high scores indicating more positive health.
Time frame: 3-month follow up
2-minute step test
The 2-minute step test (TMST) is a field test of exercise tolerance where the participant steps in place for 2 min. The higher the number repetition indicates better performance.
Time frame: baseline
2-minute step test
The 2-minute step test (TMST) is a field test of exercise tolerance where the participant steps in place for 2 min. The higher the number repetition indicates better performance.
Time frame: immediately post-intervention
2-minute step test
The 2-minute step test (TMST) is a field test of exercise tolerance where the participant steps in place for 2 min. The higher the number repetition indicates better performance.
Time frame: 3-month follow up
30-sec chair stand test
The 30-sec chair stand test (30CST) is a measure of lower extremity power and functional mobility. The participant stands up from a chair and sits back down as many times as possible in 30 sec. The higher the number repetition indicates better performance.
Time frame: baseline
30-sec chair stand test
The 30-sec chair stand test (30CST) is a measure of lower extremity power and functional mobility. The participant stands up from a chair and sits back down as many times as possible in 30 sec. The higher the number repetition indicates better performance.
Time frame: immediately post-intervention
30-sec chair stand test
The 30-sec chair stand test (30CST) is a measure of lower extremity power and functional mobility. The participant stands up from a chair and sits back down as many times as possible in 30 sec. The higher the number repetition indicates better performance.
Time frame: 3-month follow up
Berg Balance Scale
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-iten test that measures function mobility and balance. Scores range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance.
Time frame: baseline
Berg Balance Scale
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-iten test that measures function mobility and balance. Scores range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance.
Time frame: immediately post-intervention
Berg Balance Scale
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-iten test that measures function mobility and balance. Scores range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance.
Time frame: 3-month follow up
Grip strength
Hand-grip strength is a quantitative measure of upper extremity strength. Higher values indicated more strength.
Time frame: baseline
Grip strength
Hand-grip strength is a quantitative measure of upper extremity strength. Higher values indicated more strength.
Time frame: immediately post-intervention
Grip strength
Hand-grip strength is a quantitative measure of upper extremity strength. Higher values indicated more strength.
Time frame: 3-month follow up
Emotional stress
Emotional stress will be assessed via cortisol levels obtained from hair samples analyzed via immunoassay. Typical values range from 2 to 200 pg/mg, with higher levels indicating higher chronic stress.
Time frame: baseline
Emotional stress
Emotional stress will be assessed via cortisol levels obtained from hair samples analyzed via immunoassay. Typical values range from 2 to 200 pg/mg, with higher levels indicating higher chronic stress.
Time frame: immediately post-intervention
Emotional stress
Emotional stress will be assessed via cortisol levels obtained from hair samples analyzed via immunoassay. Typical values range from 2 to 200 pg/mg, with higher levels indicating higher chronic stress.
Time frame: 3-month follow up
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.