Aging
Conditions
Keywords
Older adults, Theater, Physical functioning, Emotional stress
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALtheater program
10-week theory-based theater program designed to improve their physical functioning and reduce emotional stress.
Sponsors
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
62 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Age 62 or older living in HUD-subsidized housing 2. Residence in a subsidized apartment for at least one year. 3. Able to carry on a daily conversation with or without hearing aids 4. Intact cognition as indicated by a score of greater than 5 on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ) 5. Ambulatory with or without aids, as the outcome measures require participants to perform static and dynamic balance, and walking activities.
Exclusion criteria
1. Visual impairment that cannot be corrected with assistive devices 2. Diagnosis of progressive neurodegenerative disorders (self-report)
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Timed Up-and-Go | baseline | 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. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2-minute step test | baseline | 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. |
| 30-sec chair stand test | baseline | 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. |
| Medical Outcomes Study Short Form | baseline | 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. |
| Grip strength | baseline | Hand-grip strength is a quantitative measure of upper extremity strength. Higher values indicated more strength. |
| Emotional stress | baseline | 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. |
| Berg Balance Scale | baseline | 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. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed