Effect of Music Therapy and Frenkel Exercise on Reaction Time in Geriatric Population-A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Co-ordination is a key factor for smooth movements in human body. To study coordination
of an individual measuring reaction time is an important tool.
Prolonged reaction time in addition with difficulty in recognition of stimuli affects co-ordination
specially in geriatric population. Frenkel’s exercises improves reaction time, thus improves coordination.
Listening to music is enjoyed by all and has shown to be useful in cognitive functions.
Studies have shown that listening to music enhances co-ordination and improves reaction time.
Objective: To compare effects of Frenkel exercise with classical music and effects of Frenkel exercises
with heavy metal music on simple and choice reaction time (SRT and CRT) in geriatric population.
Methods: 60 geriatric individuals with age group 65-70 years were examined for simple and choice
reaction time. Individuals were divided into 2 groups equally. Group A received classical music with
Frenkel exercises and group B heavy metal music with Frenkel exercise. Participants were given
Frenkel exercise 2 weeks daily for 30 minutes and post reaction readings were taken for reaction time.
Results: After analysing the results by Mann Whitney U test,
Mean pre SRT group A was 499.29, mean pre SRT group B was 540.80. Mean post SRT group A was
379.76, mean post SRT group B was 586.56 (p<0.001)
Mean pre-CRT group A was 970.70, mean pre-CRT group B was 1107.6 (p<0.001). Mean post CRT
group A was 894.30, mean post CRT group B was 1151.7 (p<0.001)
Conclusion: There is significant difference in simple and choice reaction time after receiving classical
music and heavy metal music with Frenkel exercise
Training for co-ordination can yield significant improvement on receiving classical music as an adjuvant
to Frenkel exercise.