Acute Physiological Response Of People Living With Dementia And Care Partners To A Ceili Danceclass

PURPOSE: Dementia is a neurological condition impacting cognitive function and quality of life [1]. Exercise maintains independence through mobility and strength for people living with dementia (PLWD) [2]. Exercising at moderate intensity attains a range of health benefits [3]. Céilí dancing is a unique and engaging form of exercise. The intensity of a Céilí dance class has yet to be established. Determining PLWD’s exercise intensity has proven difficult due to symptoms associated with dementia [4]. Using multiple methods can enhance the validity of the measurements. METHODS: Participants were recruited for the study from a Céilí dance class. Participants were enrolled in the class for a minimum of 3 months. The duration of each Céilí dance class is 60 mins and is split into sections: warm up, dance, strength and cool down. Intensity was recorded during a Céilí dance class using three methods. Heart rate (HR) was measured using a polar H10 monitor. A resting HR measure was taken before class, every 5 mins during the class and for 15 mins after the class. Percentage of heart rate reserve (HRR) was calculated using the formula. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) data was collected using the modified Borg CR-10 scale. RPE was recorded after each class section. Step count was recorded using an ActivPAL accelerometer. Intensity was calculated as moderate if there was ≥25 steps in a 15 s epoch. This is based on data from healthy older adult populations [5]. RESULTS: Six participants completed the study to date (PLWD = 4 and care partners =2). HRR, RPE and steps were calculated as measures of exercise intensity. - Class Section Percentage HRR Intensity RPE Intensity Steps Intensity Warmup 60.57 vigorous 3 moderate 656.33 low Dance 63.06 vigorous 3 moderate 879.33 low Strength 45.11 moderate 3.5 moderate 269.33 low Cool down 24.68 low 1.5 low 37.33 low CONCLUSION: The HRR and RPE show participants exercising at moderate to vigorous intensity during the warmup, dance and strength sections and drop to low intensity for the cool down. Step count shows low exercise intensity throughout the class. A Céilí dance class is an effective approach to achieve exercise of moderate to vigorous intensity in PLWD and care partners based on their HRR and RPE. Supported by: President's Doctoral Scholarship TUS