A Pilot Study to Explore the Improvements in Pulmonary and Cognitive Functions With a Kazoo Intervention Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults in a Rural Community

oleh: Luna Chang Dr.PH, Shu-Chuan Chen PhD, Po-Yu Lin MS, Hsiu-Pi Lin PhD, Li-Ling Liao PhD, Hui-Chen Chao PhD, Mei-Chun Chen PhD, Mei-Chun Chen MS, Yi-Ying Tsao MS

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: SAGE Publishing 2023-11-01

Deskripsi

Dementia is a leading cause of disability and dependence in older adults worldwide. The aim of this pilot study was to explore the effect of using a kazoo instrument to improve pulmonary function and cognitive reserve in middle-aged and older adults in rural areas. This quasi-experimental study was conducted at two community care stations selected using cluster sampling from a rural district in southern Taiwan. We enrolled 85 middle-aged and older adults who were randomly assigned into self-learner and in-class groups. Both groups received a 6-month kazoo program. Cognitive and pulmonary function were compared before and after the intervention between the two groups. Significantly improved pulmonary function with regards to forced vital capacity ( p  < .05) was found in the self-learner group, and significantly improved maximum expiratory flow 75% ( p  < .001) was found in both groups. Mini-Mental State Examination scores significantly improved in the self-learner group ( p  < .01), but there was no significant change in the in-class group. Our results suggest that community care stations could consider implementing wind instrument programs such as a kazoo to enhance pulmonary function and cognitive reserve in middle-aged and older adults residing in rural areas.