Exercise Program for Adults 65 and Older Using Personalized Music to Encourage Physical Activity

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how personalized, tempo-synchronized music playlists, called rhythmic auditory stimulation RAS, affect exercise behavior and enjoyment in sedentary older adults aged 65 and older. The goal is to see if RAS can help increase positive feelings toward exercise and promote physical activity over an 8-month period. This study focuses on community-dwelling older adults and compares exercise programs with and without RAS. Participants will engage in a six-month exercise program based on national guidelines for older adults, which includes strength training and moderate aerobic exercise. The program starts with supervised classes twice a week for three months and then reduces to once a week for the next three months, encouraging independent exercise. One group will receive RAS playlists to use during exercise sessions, while the other group will follow the same exercise program without music support. Behavioral support and goal tracking will be provided throughout the intervention and for two months after. During the study, participants will wear activity trackers to measure weekly exercise volume at baseline, monthly during the intervention, and two months after. They will also report feelings toward physical activity through text messages. Lab visits before and after the intervention will assess cognitive, vascular, physical functioning, fitness, body measurements, and quality of life. Additional questionnaires and physical tests will monitor motivation, mood, sleep, and health outcomes related to exercise and aging.

Inspiring Seniors Towards Exercise Promotion - 2