Music Breathing in Enhancing Resilience Among Elders at Risk of Mental Health Problems

Conditions studied

Resilience, Anxiety, Depressive Symptom, Loneliness, Health-related Quality of Life

About this study

The goal of this pilot randomised controlled trial is to examine the effects of a mindfulness-based music breathing intervention in enhancing resilience (primary outcome), and in reducing anxiety, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and improving health-related quality of life (secondary outcomes) among community-dwelling older adults at risk of mental health problems. It is hypothesised that compared with the control group, participants in the intervention group will report enhanced resilience, reduced anxiety, depressive symptoms, and loneliness, and improved health-related quality of life immediately post-intervention.

Interventions

• Behavioral: Mindfulness-based music breathing intervention — Participants in the intervention group will receive a 4-week music plus mindfulness-based breathing program, consisting of one 60-minute face-to-face session per week. The sessions will be delivered in small groups by a qualified music breathing practitioner. The intervention will follow a structured protocol developed by the research team and reviewed by a certified trained music-breathing therapist. Each session will consist of four progressive breathing phases, including: I. Discovery Breathing - to increase awareness of breath and bodily sensations II. Triangular Breathing - to cultivate control and balance through rhythm III. Silent Breathing - to promote stillness and internal reflection IV. Music Breathing - to combine guided music listening with mindful breathing for emotional regulation
• Behavioral: control group — Participants in the control group will receive usual care, which may include access to existing community-based services, health education, or leisure activities, but will not involve any structured music or mindfulness-based intervention.

Primary outcomes

• Resilience (Change from baseline to post-intervention (at 4-week follow-up).)

Eligibility information

Study locations

• The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong