In this study, we attempted to answer the question of whether participation in a 12-week rhythmic exercise program using the Dalcroze method affects the level of intensity of pain experienced by women over the age of 65. The level of pain was determined on a numerical scale from 1 to 10 and involved headaches, back pain and leg pain.
Background. Body pain of various degrees and types can complicate human life. Regular physical exercise and good mental health can both have protective effects on the body and its physical health. Physical exercises may also, in some aspects, be particularly important for older women who experience varying degrees of headache, back pain, and/or leg pain chronically. The purpose of the study was to analyze the effects of the Dalcroze Eurhythmic Method on headaches, backaches, and leg pains among older women. Methods. Sixty-two blinded participants with pain were randomized into two groups. Women (65 to 82 years old) who had reported the occurrence of headaches, backaches, or leg pains during the 3 months prior to the beginning of the randomized controlled trial study were identified. The participants in the pre-test and post-test used the 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale to quantify their pain. Women from the experimental group participated for 3 months in the physical exercise program based on the Dalcroze Eurhythmics Method.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
61
Training sessions took place twice a week for 45 minutes each over a period of 12 weeks. Each training included rhythmic exercises using the Jaques-Dalcroze Eurhythmics (JDE) method with piano accompaniment and electronically played music. Training sessions were conducted by a JDE specialist. Exercises with the use of this method consist mainly in the repetition of preset musical sequences using body movements. In addition to the physical layer, the cognitive layer was equally important: while performing a given movement exercise, participants often had to focus in order to react appropriately to additional tasks, such as changes in sound pitch and rhythm of the piece.
Poznan University of Physical Education
Poznan, Wielkopolska, Poland
Pain levels before exercise program
Level of pains determined by numeric pain scale 1-10
Time frame: From enrollment to the day before the start of the exercise program
Results of pain levels after exercise program
Level of pains determined by numeric pain scale 1-10
Time frame: One month after completion of the exercise program
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