Piano lessons bring about changes in emotional state and in finger motor function in a community of elderly subjects
- VernacularTitle:地域在住高齢者を対象にしたピアノ講座における感情および手指運動機能の変化
- Author:
Hiromi Motoyoshi
;
Hitomi Matsuda
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:An Official Journal of the Japan Primary Care Association
2013;36(1):11-18
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
Abstract
Objective : The purpose of this study was to verify characteristics, including changes in emotional state and finger motor function, in elderly subjects over the course of piano lessons.
Methods : Fifty-five healthy elderly subjects took part in this study. Subjects were assigned to either a “piano group” (total no. 32) or a “control group” (total no. 22), respectively. Piano group subjects participated in piano lessons for 3 months (total of 6 sessions). Characteristics of the elderly piano-learning subjects were analysed by noting the frequency and length of practice, by a tapping speed test and an emotion scale (the Mood Check List-Short Form 1 : MCL-S1 and the Face Scale).
Results : A significant difference was found when comparing the pre-score and post-score results of the piano group with those of control group in both the MCL-S1 “anxiety” test (p=0.04) and the rapid finger tapping test (p<0.01), with the latter test results being significantly better in the piano group, with four kinds of assessment. Comparing the difference between the pre-score and post-score results for Face Scale in the piano group with that of the control group, revealed no statistically significant difference (p=0.16).
Conclusion : In elderly subjects, learning piano is effective for relieving anxiety and improving finger motor tapping speed.
