Online Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy on Physical Activity and Whole-Person Health in Older Adults
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age65-85
SponsorDrexel University
About this trial
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.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
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.
Disqualifiers
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.
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy
BehavioralMindfulness-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.
Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP)
BehavioralThe 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.
Treatment groups
204 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement TherapyExperimental treatment 1 intervention
Group B: Health Enhancement ProgramActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Self-Reported Physical Activity
Self-reported physical activity will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), which measures physical activity during the previous seven days. Weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) will be calculated from reported frequency and duration of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activities. Higher values indicate greater physical activity. The primary outcome will be the change in weekly MVPA minutes from baseline to immediately following the 12-week intervention.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24Secondary outcomes
1
Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity
Objective physical activity will be assessed using a study-provided accelerometer worn over seven consecutive days at each assessment period.Accelerometry will be used to estimate time spent in different physical activity intensity categories, including light, moderate, and vigorous activity. Changes in device-measured activity will be compared between intervention groups.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 242
Lower-Body Physical Function
Lower-body physical function will be assessed by counting the number of times a participant can rise from a seated position to standing and return to sitting within 30 seconds.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 243
Static Balance
Static balance will be assessed using the Four-Stage Balance Test, which evaluates the ability to maintain progressively challenging standing positions. Participants will attempt each position for up to 10 seconds. Balance performance will be characterized by the number of successfully completed positions and/or the highest balance stage achieved, according to the prespecified scoring procedure.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 244
Cognitive function
Cognitive processing speed and attention will be assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).
Time frame
Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24Other outcomes
1
Exercise Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy for physical activity will be assessed using the Self-Efficacy for Exercise Scale. The measure evaluates participants' confidence in their ability to engage in physical activity despite potential barriers.Each item is rated from 0 (not confident) to 10 (very confident). Item scores are summed to produce a total score ranging from 0 to 90, with higher scores indicating greater exercise self-efficacy and therefore a better outcome.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 242
Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation will be assessed using the intrinsic motivation subscale of the Behavioral Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire-3 (BREQ-3). The measure evaluates the extent to which individuals engage in physical activity because of inherent enjoyment and satisfaction.he subscale consists of four items rated from 0 (not true for me) to 4 (very true for me). The mean of the four items is calculated, producing a score ranging from 0 to 4. Higher scores indicate greater intrinsic motivation for exercise and therefore a better outcome.
Time frame
Baseline, week 12, week 243
Mindful awareness
Mindful awareness will be assessed using the 15-item Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-15). The measure evaluates dimensions of mindfulness, including awareness of present-moment experiences and nonjudgmental attention to thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.Items are scored from 1 to 5. When all 15 items are summed, total scores range from 15 to 75, with higher scores indicating greater dispositional mindfulness and therefore a better outcome.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 12, and Week 244
Perceived exercise-related social support
Perceived exercise-related social support will be assessed using the Social Support for Exercise Scale. The measure evaluates participants' perceptions of encouragement and support from others for engagement in physical activity.The family participation/support score consists of 10 items rated from 1 (none) to 5 (very often), yielding a total score ranging from 10 to 50. Higher scores indicate greater perceived family support for exercise and therefore a better outcome. The Social Support for Exercise Survey assesses perceived social support for exercise. The friend participation/support score consists of 10 items rated from 1 (none) to 5 (very often), yielding a total score ranging from 10 to 50. Higher scores indicate greater perceived friend support for exercise and therefore a better outcome.
Time frame
Baseline, Week 12, and Week 24Sponsors and contacts
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Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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