DOI: https://doi.org/10.14710/dimj.v6i2.29300

Role of Balinese Flute Playing in Enhancing Cognitive Function and Serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels in the Elderly

*Anak Agung Ayu Putri Laksmidewi orcid scopus  -  Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty of Universitas Udayana, Ngoerah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Indonesia
Ni Putu Ayu Putri Mahadewi orcid scopus  -  Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty of Universitas Udayana, Ngoerah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Indonesia
Lasta Arshinta orcid  -  Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty of Universitas Udayana, Ngoerah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Indonesia
Made Sebastian Dwi Putra Hardika orcid  -  Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty of Universitas Udayana, Ngoerah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Indonesia
Christine Kathy Putri Sari  -  Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty of Universitas Udayana, Ngoerah Hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, Indonesia
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Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Background: Aging is associated with cognitive decline, yet the brain retains adaptive capacity with proper stimulation. Musical activities, including traditional Balinese flute playing, have shown potential in enhancing memory, concentration, and cognitive performance.

Objective: This study examined the effect of playing the Balinese flute piece “Morning Happiness” on cognitive improvement in the elderly, as indicated by changes in serum Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels.

Methods: This experimental study was conducted from June to September 2024 among elderly participants (>60 years) with controlled risk factors. Subjects were randomized into an intervention group (n=28) and control group (n=14), with a male-to-female ratio of 3:4. The intervention group played the Balinese flute for 20 minutes daily, while the control group listened to the same music for 10 minutes, three times weekly. Cognitive function was assessed using the Indonesian version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-Ina), and serum BDNF levels were measured before and after the intervention.

Results: The intervention group showed a significant improvement in total MoCA-Ina scores (Z = -2.82, p = 0.005), particularly in abstraction (Z = -2.296, p = 0.022) and delayed recall (Z = -3.436, p = 0.026). Serum BDNF levels also increased significantly after the intervention (from 5.46 ± 6.16 to 7.63 ± 10.16; p = 0.033), while no significant changes were observed in the control group.

Conclusion: Balinese flute playing enhances cognitive function, especially abstraction and memory recall, and increases serum BDNF, supporting its role as a non-pharmacological strategy to promote cognitive health in the elderly.

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Keywords: Balinese flute; Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor; Cognitive Function; Elderly

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Section: Original Research Article
Language : EN
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