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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to gain knowledge of screening osteoarthritis study participants.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will gain knowledge of screening procedures for older adults.
Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to determine the effect of a dance-based therapy intervention on lower extremity function, lower extremity pain, and mood state of older adults with self-reported osteoarthritis of the hip and or knee. The lessons learned during the screening and eligibility phase of the study will be reported.
Subjects: 157 independent living older adults, 62 years of age or older, residing in a senior continuum of care facility in the Midwest were reviewed for eligibility criteria. This senior facility partnered with the research team to assist in recruitment. However, only 37 (24%) subjects met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate.
Method: A randomized control trial with a wait list control group was used. The intervention was Lebed MethodTM dance therapy, which included two 45-minute sessions for 12 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention data included the SF-36, Physical Performance Battery, 8-ft Timed Up and Go test, the Functional Pain Scale, the Geriatric Depression Scale, Fear of Falling, and one sleep question. A GAITRite assessment was conducted on a random subset of the subjects.
Anticipated Method of Analysis: This pilot study was exploratory in nature with results used to design a larger randomized control trial. Pre- and post-intervention scores are being compared using a paired t-test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results of Eligibility Screening: The recruitment process resulted in the maximum possible subjects from the facility. Coordinating group demonstration sessions of the dance therapy proved to be a successful strategy. Obtaining a physician release for each subject was valuable.. Minimal attrition occurred and was attributed to unrelated medical issues.