THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MULTI-COMPONENT EXERCISE COMBINED WITH ART THERAPY ON MUSCLE STRENGTH AND DEPRESSION AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: A PILOT STUDY

Received 2023-06-21; Accepted 2023-12-15; Published 2024-08-01

Abstract

Background: Physical and psychological declines often accompany aging, negatively impacting quality of life. Multimodal interventions may efficiently address multiple needs, but few studies have examined combined exercise and creative arts programs.

Objective: This pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility and potential impacts of a multi-component exercise plus art therapy intervention for improving muscle strength and depression levels in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: Thirty-seven adults aged ≥ 55 years were randomized into exercise alone (EG = 12), art therapy alone (AG = 12), or combined exercise-art therapy (CG = 13). The 8-week interventions were performed at home. EG and CG engaged in moderate aerobic, resistance, balance, and flexibility exercises 3x/week. AG and CG also completed biweekly art therapy sessions involving coloring, weaving, stamping, and painting projects. Upper and lower limb muscle strength and depression levels were assessed at baseline and post-intervention.

Results: All groups showed significant pre-to-post improvements in muscle strength and depression. However, there were no significant differences between-group, although CG tended to have the greatest gains.

Conclusions: Home-based exercise and art therapy were feasible and improved outcomes. The combination group showed promising synergistic trends, supporting further research on multimodal interventions to promote successful aging through engaging programs that address both physical and mental health.