Effects of Dance and Movement Therapy (DMT) versus Progressive Muscle Relaxation(PMR) on Depression among Elderly Residing in Selected Old Age Homes of Haryana: A Quasi Experimental Study

Abstract

Depression is a universal health related problem which is increasing the life expectancy worldwide associated
with morbidity and disability among elderly people. Elderly age group is a controversial issue as it is a natural
process which presents a unique challenge for every individual in society. The objectives of the study were
to assess and compare depression among elderly before and after administration of dance and movement
therapy and progressive muscle relaxation, to determine the relationship between depression and to find out
the association of depression with selected variables. Quantitative research approach, quasi experimental
non equivalent control group pretest post test design was used to collect the data. Sixty participants (30
DMT group, 30 PMR group) were enrolled for the study those who fulfilled the inclusion criteria by using
purposive sampling technique. Homogeneity was checked by enrolling the participants. Data was collected
by using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) for assessing depression by interview technique. Analysis was
done by applying non parametric test after K-S test to check normality of data. Thus findings of the study
showed effectiveness of dance and movement therapy and progressive muscle relaxation on depression as
the calculated Friedman test Chi square value (DMT ?2 =51.44, p=0.00 and PMR ?2 =52.91, p=0.00) was
significant at 0.05 in both groups. There was no any significant difference between DMT and PMR groups
in terms of depression. Depression among elderly was found to be statistically significant with duration of
stay in old age homes and history of chronic illness i.e (?=5.764, p=0.05) and (?=49.00, p=0.02) in DMT
group, and depression among elderly was found to be statistically significant with history of chronic illness
i.e (?=49.00, p=0.04) in PMR group. Conclusion: Dance and movement therapy and Progressive muscle
relaxation was effective in reducing depression among elderly as there was significant difference within the
group.