Post-Intervention Focus Groups: Piano Improvisation to Improve Cognition
Author Type(s)
Student
Document Type
Abstract
Publication Date
4-2024
DOI
10.1111/jgs.18893
Journal Title
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Abstract
Background: Music improvisation, defined as the spontaneous generation of musical melodies/rhythms, shows promise among non-pharmacological interventions for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) for improving self-regulation.
Methods: We conducted focus groups as part of a feasibility and acceptibility pilot RCT to examine the effects of a piano improvisation on self-regulation. The study involved the development and testing of a 12-week group piano improvisation training intervention compared to a group active music listening control. Participants were aged 60+years with or without MCI. Focus groups were one of several methods used to assess feasibility and acceptability. Focus groups were led by a qualitative researcher, and real-time notes were entered on a template, then transcribed into a matrix. A second researcher entered missing data and direct quotes and identified discrepancies, which were reconciled by discussion. Salient themes were identified through content analysis.
Results: Participants included 17 women and 2 men, with 58% of the participants identifying as people of color. Overall, piano improvisation participants found the intervention feasible and acceptable, with 8 participants stating that they “wanted to learn the piano” and 5 participants stating that the piano was a “bucket list” item. They identified modifiable issues with intervention materials. 9 participants wanted the intervention to be extended to 16 weeks. Music listening participants also found the active control feasible and acceptable. Some found the technology confusing, with 3 participants stating that the computer tablets provided were unhelpful. However, 5 stated that they appreciated the group settings/discussions, and that “input from other classmates was a wonderful experience”. Both groups reported that home exercises were integrated into daily activities, and the duration of the sessions appropriate. Several participants reported additional benefits including improvements in self-regulation, arthritis pain, memory/learning, and social well-being.
Conclusion: Focus group participants in both arms of the study overwhelmingly found the interventions feasible and acceptable.
Recommended Citation
Zhang, R., Johnson, J. K., Bugos, J. A., Johnson, K. S., Colado, B., Schiff, H. M., & Allison, T. A. (2024). Post-Intervention Focus Groups: Piano Improvisation to Improve Cognition. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 72 (Suppl. 1), S237. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.18893
