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

Conditions

• Physical Activity and Wellbeing
• Whole Health

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

65 Years - 85 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Accepted

Interventions

• Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy — BEHAVIORAL
  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.
• Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP) — BEHAVIORAL
  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.

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

First listed

Oct 1, 2026

Start date

Mar 1, 2027

Status verified

Oct 2026

Primary completion

Jan 31, 2031

Completion

Jul 30, 2031

Study Design

Enrollment

204 participants (estimated)

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Arms

• Experimental: Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy
  Participants assigned to this arm will receive a 12-week online, group-based Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy (M-DMT) intervention. The intervention integrates mindfulness practices, creative movement, and therapeutic group interaction to promote physical activity and whole-person health among sedentary older adults. Sessions will encourage participants to engage in movement that is responsive to their individual physical abilities, sensations, and emotional experiences while fostering mindful awareness, self-expression, and social connection.
• Active Comparator: Health Enhancement Program
  Participants assigned to this arm will receive a 12-week online, group-based health education intervention. The program will provide health-related information and opportunities for group discussion to support general health and well-being among older adults. Unlike M-DMT, the program will not incorporate structured mindfulness practices, dance/movement therapy, or experiential movement activities. This condition serves as an active comparator to help distinguish the effects of M-DMT from those associated with participation in an online group-based health program.

Primary Outcome Measure

Self-Reported Physical Activity [ Time Frame: Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24 ]

Central Contacts

• Minjung Shim, PhD
  267-359-5592
  [email protected]

Locations (1)

Find similar trials in Philadelphia, PA