Development of a Music Intervention Protocol and Its Effect on Participant Engagement: Experiences from a Randomised Controlled Trial With Older People With Dementia

Journal

Arts & Health: An International Journal of Research, Policy and Practice

Year

2010

Abstract

Objectives: Develop and implement a music intervention protocol for use with older people with dementia and explore its effect on engagement. Design: A randomised cross-over trial with music intervention and reading control groups. Methods: A music protocol was developed through research team expertise, discussions with facility staff and musicians, practice session feedback and participants' musical preferences. A participant engagement observation checklist was devised to monitor levels of engagement. Results: Participants became more actively (F(2,68) = 5.279, p < .01) and passively (F(2,68) = 4.250, p < .05) engaged in song-singing over time. There was no increase in engagement during the reading control sessions over time. Conclusions: The method by which the music protocol was developed offers a framework and an example for similar, controlled trials. The participant engagement observation checklist also provides an exemplar of how engagement may be captured and illustrates the importance of using one, given participants became more engaged during song-singing. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Music and Health Institute Terms

Alzheimer's and Related Dementias; Elderly; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Recreative Music Methods; Singing a Song

Indexed Terms

clinical trials; monitoring behaviour; music protocol; participant engagement; singing; Dementia; Intervention; Aging

Study Type

Randomized Controlled; Trial; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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