The Effect of Body Percussion Musical Exercises on Quality of Life, Social Adaptation, Anxiety, and Depression in Older Adults: A Clinical Trial Study

Abstract

Background: Aging is a natural stage in the human life cycle marked by biological changes. One of the common challenges faced by older adults is a decline in psychosocial skills. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of rhythmic body percussion exercises on quality of life, social adaptation, anxiety, and depression in elderly women. The research was conducted in Semnan, Iran, during the years 2017 - 2018. Methods: This was a single-blind randomized clinical trial. The study population included elderly women attending public and private day rehabilitation centers as well as nursing homes. A total of 60 participants were selected using block randomization and assigned to either an intervention or control group. All participants completed demographic questionnaires, the Mini-Cog test, Bell’s Social Adaptation Scale, the LEIPAD Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Beck Anxiety and Depression Inventories (BAI and BDI) before and after the intervention. Both groups received group-based therapeutic sessions over 12 sessions (three times per week, 45 minutes each). The control group received standard occupational therapy, while the intervention group received the same therapy plus body percussion exercises. Results: Sixty elderly women participated in the study, with a mean age of 64.41 years and an average cognitive score of 23.46. Paired t-tests revealed significant improvements in cognitive performance, social adaptation, quality of life, anxiety, and depression in the intervention group (P < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in the control group. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) confirmed the effectiveness of the intervention, showing significant improvements in cognitive function (P = 0.003), social adaptation (P = 0.004), anxiety (P = 0.005), and depression (P = 0.050). Effect sizes for these variables were high (η² ranging from 0.248 to 0.965). The group effect on quality of life was not statistically significant (P = 0.113), although the pretest effect was notably strong (η² = 0.880). These findings highlight the potential of body percussion exercises to enhance psychological and cognitive health in older adults. Conclusions: Rhythmic body percussion exercises improved cognitive function, social adaptation, anxiety, and depression in elderly women. These findings support the use of rhythmic movement-based interventions as a complementary approach to psychosocial health in older adults.