The effect of chair-based dance movement therapy in the rehabilitation older people with depression symptoms in long-term residential care: An exploratory phase study

Abstract

Objectives: Globally, depression is one of the leading causes of disability in older people, with higher prevalence rates in those in long-term residential care. In this study, we investigated the effect of chair-based dance movement therapy (C-B DMT) for depressive symptoms in older people in long-term residential care.

Background: Although common, depressive symptoms are not a normal part of the ageing process. In general, non-pharmacological interventions have been shown to have good effect in the management of depressive symptoms. C-B DMT, a non-pharmacological intervention, may help rehabilitate older people with depressive symptoms in long-term residential care.

Methods: Based on the Medical Research Council’s framework for the evaluation of complex interventions, this was an exploratory phase quasi-experimental study. Older residents received weekly nurseled C-B DMT sessions for a period of 12 weeks in early 2020. The Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF) as a primary outcome for assessment of depressive symptoms.

Results: Data analysis revealed that mean GDS-SF score prior to the initial session of C-B DMT was 10.08, falling to 8.08 upon completion of the intervention.

Conclusion: We believe that CB-DMT may have the potential role in the rehabilitation of depressive symptoms in older people in long term residential care. Despite a relatively small sample size in this study, mainly due to COVID-19 restrictions, the findings of this exploratory phase study highlight the need for a larger-scale randomized controlled trial. In summary, CB-DMT provides a safe and potentially effective intervention for older people with depressive symptoms, enabling them to enjoy life.