The Effect of Music-Based Interventions on Elderly Individuals with Different Cognitive Styles: A Study on Cardiovascular Activity
Abstract
Purpose: Over the years, researchers have been seeking various ways to improve physical activity in the elderly. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of music-based interventions on cardiovascular activity in elderly individuals with different cognitive styles.
Method: This applied research utilized a semi-experimental method with both within-group and between-group designs. The participants were 24 elderly individuals aged 65 to 75 years. In the first stage, after identifying the cognitive styles of the individuals using Witkin's Embedded Figures Questionnaire, the participants were divided into two groups: field-dependent and field-independent. Then, at a speed of three to five kilometers per hour for five to eight minutes under two different conditions (motivational music, no intervention), relative oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, respiratory exchange ratio, resting caloric consumption, and relative respiratory reserve percentage were measured using a respiratory gas analyzer.
Results: The results of the repeated measures ANOVA showed that in the field-independent group, relative oxygen consumption (P = 0.001), carbon dioxide production (P = 0.001), respiratory exchange ratio (P = 0.008), and resting caloric consumption (P = 0.004) significantly decreased, and relative respiratory reserve percentage (P = 0.022) significantly increased. In the field-dependent group, only carbon dioxide production (P = 0.001) showed a significant decrease.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that walking accompanied by motivational music improves cardiovascular activity variables in field-independent elderly individuals.