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NCT07852572

Online Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy on Physical Activity and Whole-Person Health in Older Adults

Sponsor: Drexel University

View on ClinicalTrials.gov

Summary

This randomized controlled trial will examine whether an online, group-based Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy (M-DMT) intervention can increase physical activity and improve whole-person health among sedentary older adults. M-DMT combines mindful movement, creative expression, and interpersonal connection to support physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. Participants will be randomly assigned to either M-DMT or the Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP). The study will evaluate changes in physical activity, measured through self-report and accelerometry, as well as multiple dimensions of whole-person health. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately following the 12-week intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews will further explore participants' experiences with the interventions and their perceived effects on health and daily life.

Official title: Evaluating the Effects of Online Group Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy on Physical Activity and Whole-Person Health in Older Adults

Key Details

Gender

All

Age Range

65 Years - 85 Years

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Enrollment

204

Start Date

2027-03-01

Completion Date

2031-07-30

Last Updated

2026-10-15

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Conditions

Physical Activity and Wellbeing Whole Health

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy

Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy (M-DMT) is a 12-week, online, group-based behavioral intervention that integrates mindfulness practices with dance/movement therapy to promote physical activity and whole-person health among sedentary older adults. The intervention incorporates mindful movement, creative expression, body awareness, and interpersonal interaction. Participants are encouraged to explore movements that accommodate their individual physical abilities and emotional experiences while developing greater confidence, enjoyment, and motivation for physical activity. Sessions are facilitated by a trained dance/movement therapist through a secure videoconferencing platform.

BEHAVIORAL

Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP)

The Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP) is a 12-week, online, group-based behavioral intervention designed to provide older adults with health-related information and opportunities for social interaction. Sessions involve structured health education and facilitated group discussions addressing topics relevant to healthy aging and general well-being. The program does not incorporate formal mindfulness practices, dance/movement therapy, or structured physical activity exercises. HEP serves as an active comparison condition to account for nonspecific effects associated with group participation, facilitator attention, and engagement in a structured online health program.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 65-85 years. * Insufficiently physically active, defined as engaging in less than 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity or less than 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity physical activity, as assessed during screening. * Able to use a computer, tablet, or smartphone to participate in online intervention sessions and complete study assessments, with or without assistance. * Have adequate vision and hearing, with or without correction, to safely participate in online group sessions and complete study procedures. * Able to safely engage in mild-to-moderate physical activity, as determined through a virtual physical safety screening conducted by a physical therapist or trained study personnel. * Have sufficient cognitive capacity to provide informed consent and participate in study procedures, as assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Telehealth Version (MoCA-T). Individuals scoring 26 or higher will be considered eligible based on cognitive screening. * Able and willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Significant cognitive impairment, defined as a MoCA-T score below 18, or cognitive difficulties that prevent informed consent or safe participation. * Use of mobility aids, including a cane, walker, or wheelchair, or physical limitations that would prevent safe participation in movement-based activities. * Medical conditions that contraindicate participation in mild-to-moderate physical activity, as determined during the physical safety screening. * Surgery within the previous six months that may limit safe participation in physical activity. * Physician recommendations or restrictions against participation in moderate physical activity or exercise. * A recently diagnosed serious mental health condition that may interfere with participation in study procedures. * Any additional medical, physical, cognitive, or safety concern that, in the judgment of the study investigators, would make participation unsafe or compromise the integrity of the study.

Locations (1)

Drexel University

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States