Dancing for Better Aging: Evaluating the Impact of a Dance/Movement Therapy (D/MT) Program for Older Adults

Dancing for Better Aging: Evaluating the Impact of a Dance/Movement Therapy Program for Older Adults Through an Empirical Research Approach

The aim of this study is to empirically evaluate the impact of a Dance/Movement Therapy program adapted to older adults. Participants over 60 years old are enrolled in one of three groups: Dance/Movement Therapy, Aerobic Exercise or Waiting List (control group) for 12 weeks. The training groups occur 3 times a week for 1 hour each session. Physical condition, cognitive function, general health and lifestyle, and stress hormones are assessed at baseline, after 12 weeks and after 28 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 60 years and older
• sedentary or moderately sedentary (less than 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week)
• have not participated in another similar study in the last year
• have not been exposed to a dance or dance/movement therapy program in the past year
• are not in a wheelchair
• have not had surgery in the past year
• have not smoked in the past 5 years
• do not consume more than 2 glasses a day of alcohol
• are not in treatment for major depression

Exclusion Criteria:

• progressive neurological disorder
• unstable medical conditions (unstable cardio illness in the past 6 months, cardiac or thyroid troubles or pituitary gland illness)
• contraindication for moderate physical activity (major orthopaedic limitations)
• suspicion of cognitive problems (score of 24 or less on the Mini-Mental State Examination)
• large uncorrected perceptual limits
• treatment of hormone therapy
• uncontrolled hearing loss