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Music-based interventions are acknowledged to be accessible and beneficial to people living with dementia. As part of an over-arching research project exploring the contributions of person-centered caregiver singing (PCCS) intervention to caregiver's provision of care, this study aimed to explore caregiver's experiences of a PCCS training program. 8 caregivers across 2 care homes in South Africa participated in 4 iterative participatory cycles aimed at refining the training protocol. We completed a thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews of caregivers' experiences of the training. 3 themes emerged: workshop components contributed to positive learning experiences; caregivers' increased knowledge and insight into dementia, music, and personhood; and caregivers' enhanced self-efficacy which encompassed their emotional wellbeing, self-awareness, and confidence. Our study highlights caregivers' self-efficacy, self-hood, and personhood as valuable benefits in person-centered care training. Caregivers experienced training as both professionally and personally beneficial. While PCCS supported a shift toward a person-centered care approach, further research would help establish approaches to support sustainability of PCCS training and use in wider contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dementia negatively affects the wellbeing of both caregivers and care recipients. Community-based therapeutic choir singing offers opportunities for music participation and social engagement that are accessible and mutually enjoyable for people with dementia and their family caregivers and promotes shared and meaningful musical interactions, which may support relationship quality. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Remini-Sing therapeutic choir intervention on relationship quality, quality of life, depression, and social connectedness for dyads, as well as caregiver burden and care recipient anxiety. A randomized-controlled trial design was used with a target sample of 180 dyads. Due to recruitment difficulties, 34 participant dyads were recruited and randomly assigned to a 20-week group singing condition (n  = 16) or a waitlisted control group (n  = 18). Participant dyads consisted of people with dementia and their family caregivers who resided at home in the community. The Remini-Sing therapeutic choirs were held in community settings. Assessments were conducted by masked assessors at baseline, 11 weeks, and 21 weeks. Twenty-one dyads completed assessments at the primary timepoint (Week 11). Issues with recruitment and retention resulted in an unpowered study with no statistically significant findings. Mean decreases in anxiety and depression for choir participants with dementia were supported by medium to large effect sizes, indicating a potential intervention effect to be explored in future powered studies. Key learnings related to study design are discussed regarding recruitment, retention, participant burden, and sustainability, with recommendations made for future dementia research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dementia care in South Africa faces challenges including a paucity of published research, a prevalent medical model in healthcare, and inadequate caregiver training. Music is a meaningful psychosocial intervention in dementia care, yet its application is not always safe and effective. A training protocol was codesigned to enhance caregivers' delivery of person‐centred care through attuned, live singing. Objectives: This study explored the acceptability and caregivers' experiences of a person‐centred caregiver singing (PCCS) protocol in South Africa. Methods: A PCCS workshop was applied at seven aged care homes in Cape Town, South Africa. Forty‐one formal caregivers adhered to inclusion criteria and consented to attend one workshop on PCCS. Mixed methods data collection was obtained from questionnaires containing a Likert scale and written reflections. Quantitative data were analysed through nonparametric tests and narrative descriptions, and qualitative data through thematic content analysis. Findings were integrated deductively using seven components of acceptability. Results: Findings converged to show caregivers' positive experiences, highlighting observed improvements in residents' wellbeing, caregivers' capabilities, empathic connection, and person‐centred care beyond the one‐on‐one. Caregivers' limited song repertoire and residents' unpredictability hindered implementation, however, the skills acquired appeared useful and applicable. Conclusions: Integration of findings suggests the acceptability of PCCS as caregivers experienced PCCS as a helpful, easy‐to‐implement intervention that contributes to their delivery of person‐centred care. Further research focused on caregiver self‐efficacy, empathy, and caregivers' own personhood is needed as well as determining the most effective strategies to ensure maximum uptake and sustainability in the sector. Patient or Public Contribution: Formal caregivers participated in this study, both attending the training and implementing the singing protocol with residents in their care at their respective care homes. The people living with dementia residing at the care home were recipients of the singing protocol but not included as participants in the research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Music listening is widely used during exercise, but effects on physical activity are unknown. This review aimed to examine the effectiveness of music listening on physical activity of adults. Searches were conducted until September 2022. Eligible randomised controlled trials examined intentional music listening to enhance physical activity in adults. Trials were assessed using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The GRADE approach assessed certainty of evidence. One high and two low risk-of-bias trials (113 participants, 63–68 years) from cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation programs were included. Moderate certainty evidence favoured music listening for total amounts of physical activity (n = 112, δ = 0.32, 95% CI = −0.06–0.70) and weekly moderate intensity physical activity (n = 88, MD = 52 min, 95% CI = −8–113). Low certainty evidence favoured music listening for exercise capacity (6-min walk test) (n = 79, MD = 101 metres, 95% CI = 2.32–199.88). There is imprecise, moderate certainty evidence that music listening increases physical activity by a small amount in older adults. Future research including adults of all ages with and without health conditions might investigate music listening with focussed behaviour change interventions. There is uncertainty in the current evidence but listening to music may lead to small increases physical activity in older adults with health conditions. Listening to music while walking may lead to improved exercise capacity. Rehabilitation professionals might consider using music listening as an adjunct with focussed behaviour change interventions aiming to increase physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the impact of participant-selected music listening as an adjunct to pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in people with COPD. Adults with COPD referred to PR were randomly assigned to participant-selected music listening (intervention group, [IG]) or usual care (control group [CG]) during an 8-weeks PR program. Prior to training, the IG completed an interview with a registered music therapist to identify music preferences. IG participants listened to an individualised playlist; CG participants had usual care. Primary outcomes included end-6-min walk test symptoms (dyspnoea and exertion) and dyspnoea (Multidimensional Dyspnoea Profile [MDP]), measured pre and post PR and 6-months follow-up. 58 participants, FEV1 52.4 (25.9)% pd) were recruited. There were no between-group differences following the intervention (p >.05 for all outcomes at all time points). Within-group differences following PR were significant for MDP sensory quality: IG mean difference [95% CI] −2.2 [−3.3 to −1.2]; CG −1.5 [−2.5 to −0.5] points; MDP emotional response: IG −3.2 [−4.2 to −2.3]; CG −2.2 [−3.2 to −1.3] points). Participant-selected music listening during PR offered no greater benefit to symptoms of dyspnoea or exertion compared to usual care. With the study limited by COVID-19 restrictions, the role of this adjunct remains to be clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a global need for interventions that support the wellbeing of people living with dementia and their family care partners. Studies show that shared musical activities may achieve this. Our systematic review aimed to synthesise existing research exploring dyads' experiences of shared musical activities across a range of contexts. Method: From 31 October 2020 we searched PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL Complete, EMBASE, RILM, Web of Science Core Collection, Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations & Theses for studies published up to 14 April 2021, and hand searched five music therapy journals plus citation lists. Thirteen qualitative studies reporting on dyads' experiences and perspectives of shared musical activities across a range of settings were included. Studies with mixed populations or mixed modality interventions were excluded. We analysed the final studies using thematic synthesis, engaging in reflective discussions and reflexivity throughout. The quality of included studies was assessed using the CASP qualitative checklist. This study is registered on PROSPERO: CRD42020169360. Results: Six themes were identified from 13 studies: 1) shared musical activities support wellbeing for people living with dementia, 2) music groups become ecological systems, 3) shared musical activities are experienced differently over time, 4) shared musical activities are experienced by me and as we, 5) music is a supportive structure, and 6) the thread of connection (an overarching theme). A GRADE-CERQual assessment found moderate to high confidence in these findings. Findings informed the development of the Contextual Connection Model of Health Musicking. Conclusion: Shared musical activities foster experiences of connection for people living with dementia and their family care partners. Experiences of connection are supported through professional facilitation and the structural aspects of music, and are influenced by the setting and changes over time. These experiences of connection play a central role in supporting dyadic and individual wellbeing. These findings are largely relevant to a western cultural context; future research should seek to include more diverse cultural experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music (BMGIM) is a psycho-therapeutic intervention that has not been examined with family caregivers of people with dementia. This within subject pre-post feasibility study aimed to examine a protocol involving six sessions of BMGIM with family caregivers. Estimates of effect examined sensitivity of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Quality of Life-6 Dimensions (AQoL-6D). Qualitative interviews explored participant experiences. Of 11 participants who enrolled (nine women/two men, M age = 71.2 years), seven completed the study and four withdrew. Music programs used in BMGIM sessions were diverse and often modified to accommodate individual participant needs. Favourable small to moderate effect sizes were observed for the PHQ-9 (r = 0.11), and for the AQoL-6D global score (r = 0.18) and domains examining independent living (r = 0.20), mental health (r = 0.30), pain (r = 0.29), and senses (r = 0.44). Thematic analysis of interviews recognised BMGIM as: something different that might help; an empathic therapeutic space with aptly selected music; insightful and transformative; and psycho-educative. The majority of participants completed the project and described important benefits from BMGIM, suggesting that the protocol was acceptable. However, a large sample would be required to detect change in a fully powered trial based on effects observed for the PHQ-9 and AQoL-6D following six BMGIM sessions. While early evidence from this study recognised the therapeutic potential of BMGIM for family caregivers, further feasibility research with this population is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Music with motivating qualities might support exercise adherence in older adults with cardiac disease. The Brunel Music Rating Inventory-2 (BMRI-2), a 6-item scale with motivational quotients ranging from 6 to 42 developed to facilitate music selection for exercise, has been validated with young adults. However, the suitability of the BMRI-2 for older adults is unknown. We tested reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement error) and validity (content and construct) of the BMRI-2 with older adults in cardiac rehabilitation. Eleven men and 9 women (M age = 71.6 years, SD = 8.9) selected two pieces of music and used the BMRI-2 to rate the motivational quality of these for a walking task. BMRI-2 ratings demonstrated high internal consistency. Test-retest reliability and levels of measurement error were acceptable. Content was evaluated as relevant and comprehensive. There was convergence with flow scales, and discrimination between music selections with differing motivational quotients (p < .01). The BMRI-2 demonstrates acceptable psychometric properties for older adult cardiac rehabilitation patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A systematic review and narrative synthesis of theories was conducted to examine the modulating effects of music listening on health-related exercise and physical activity. Searches were conducted on multiple bibliographic databases from the earliest available date until April 2013 using the key terms of music, physical activity and theory and related synonyms. Two reviewers independently screened retrieved texts using the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The quality of included texts was appraised using a checklist, and key concepts were recorded and synthesised using inductive thematic analysis. The narrative synthesis comprised 23 theoretical texts representing three contexts: therapeutic outcomes, sports and exercise performance, and auditory-motor processing. The quality appraisal demonstrated some limitations in the reporting of evidence informing theories. Analysis across all texts identified a main theme, cortical and subcortical stimulation and response, and two sub-themes, physiological arousal and subjective experience. These themes contributed to a common hypothesis that music could promote behavioural change with increased exercise adherence and participation. A meta-theory is presented, offering a framework for clinical practice and research. Music therapists might use the meta-theory to inform music listening interventions in programmes that aim to increase levels of physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various topic within the issue including role of music therapy in treating intellectual disabilities, how songwriting help people with dementia, and dance classes for people with Parkinson's disease.