Music-Enhanced Calisthenics in Older Adults

Feyza Altindal Karabulut

Status: Completed

Conditions: Balanced; Exercise Theraphy; Quality of Life; Proprioception

Treatments: Other: Music-based Calisthenic Exercise

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06973538

2025/7-5

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of music-enhanced calisthenic exercises on balance, muscle strength, proprioception, and quality of life (QoL) in sedentary older adults. Thirty-one participants (mean age: 74.41 ± 5.86 years) were randomly assigned to three groups: Calisthenic Exercise Group (CEG), Music-based Calisthenic Exercise Group (MCEG), and Control Group (CG). The intervention consisted of 16 sessions over 8 weeks, including a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of exercise, and a 10-minute cool-down. Assessments included the Timed Up and Go Test (balance), Sit-to-Stand Test (strength), joint position sense tests (proprioception), and the Nottingham Health Profile (QoL). Both exercise groups showed significant improvements in all measured outcomes (p<0.05), with the MCEG demonstrating superior gains, particularly in energy levels and physical function. These findings support the use of music to enhance the benefits of exercise in older adults.

Full description

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to evaluate the effects of music-enhanced calisthenic exercises on balance, muscle strength, proprioception, and quality of life (QoL) in healthy sedentary older adults living in nursing homes. The study included 31 participants aged 65 years and older, randomly assigned to one of three groups: the Calisthenic Exercise Group (CEG), the Music-based Calisthenic Exercise Group (MCEG), and the Control Group (CG). The intervention was conducted over 8 weeks, consisting of 16 sessions, with each session lasting approximately 50 minutes. Sessions included a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of calisthenic exercises, and a 10-minute cool-down. The MCEG performed the exercises with background music, while the CEG performed the same exercises without music. The CG did not receive any structured exercise intervention.

The calisthenic exercises included seated leg lifts, chair squats, seated marching, arm curls, and seated torso twists. From the fifth week onwards, elastic resistance bands were introduced to progressively increase the difficulty level and promote muscle hypertrophy and strength gains. Music tracks for the MCEG were carefully selected to promote engagement and motivation, including popular rhythmic and motivational songs suitable for older adults.

Assessments were conducted pre- and post-intervention using standardized measurement tools. Balance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test, muscle strength with the Sit-to-Stand Test, proprioception with joint position sense testing, and quality of life with the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). These assessments were chosen to capture the physical and psychological impact of the exercise interventions, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the participants' physical function and overall well-being.

Data were analyzed using SPSS (v22.0), with parametric or non-parametric tests selected based on data distribution. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for within-group comparisons, while ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied for between-group comparisons. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Non-Interventional Ethics Committee of Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University (Approval No: 2022/11-12, dated 26.09.2022). All participants provided written informed consent before participating in the study.

The primary aim of this study was to determine whether music-enhanced calisthenic exercises provide greater physical and psychological benefits compared to standard calisthenic exercises alone. Secondary aims included evaluating changes in balance, muscle strength, proprioception, and overall quality of life among healthy sedentary older adults. The results are expected to provide evidence supporting the use of music as a simple, low-cost, and enjoyable addition to exercise programs for older adults.

Enrollment: 31 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 65 to 90 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Only individuals deemed physically suitable for exercise by the institutional physician and who agreed to participate in the exercise program were included.

Exclusion criteria

Individuals under 65 years of age.

Severe cognitive impairment or diagnosed dementia that would prevent safe participation in the exercise program.

Severe musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiovascular conditions that contraindicate physical exercise.

Acute or unstable medical conditions requiring immediate medical intervention.

Hearing impairment that would significantly reduce the ability to follow music-based exercises.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

31 participants in 3 patient groups

Arm 1: Music-based Calisthenic Exercise Group (MCEG)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will perform calisthenic exercises with background music for 8 weeks. Each session will include a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of music-enhanced calisthenic exercises (e.g., seated leg lifts, chair squats, seated marching, arm curls, and seated torso twists), and a 10-minute cool-down. From the fifth week onwards, elastic resistance bands will be introduced to progressively increase exercise intensity. The music selection is designed to promote engagement and motivation, including rhythmic and motivational tracks suitable for older adults.

Treatment:

Other: Music-based Calisthenic Exercise

Arm 2: Calisthenic Exercise Group (CEG)

Experimental group

Description:

Participants in this group will perform the same calisthenic exercises as the MCEG but without background music. The intervention will last 8 weeks, with each session including a 10-minute warm-up, 30 minutes of calisthenic exercises (e.g., seated leg lifts, chair squats, seated marching, arm curls, and seated torso twists), and a 10-minute cool-down. From the fifth week onwards, elastic resistance bands will be introduced to progressively increase exercise intensity.

Treatment:

Other: Music-based Calisthenic Exercise

Arm 3: Control Group (CG)

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in this group will not receive any structured exercise intervention during the 8-week study period. They will be encouraged to maintain their usual daily activities without any specific exercise regimen. This group serves as a baseline for comparison against the exercise groups.