The effect of a tailored dance program on health and wellbeing in people aged 65+: a pilot trial

We are testing the feasibility, acceptability and impact of a tailored dance program for supporting health and wellbeing in people aged 65+. Forty people aged 65 and over will be enrolled in the trial once they have been recruited and screened for eligibility. Twenty participants randomised to the intervention group will take part in a 10-week, twice-weekly group-based program of dance classes, each 1 hour and 15 minutes in duration. The classes will be delivered by dance instructors with more than 5 years training and experience in teaching dance to older people. A dance class will have a maximum of 20 participants. Each class will be performed to music, using jazz/contemporary dance styles and dance routines will be tailored for the individual. Tailoring for the individual will occur within each class based on the instructor’s initial and ongoing observations of the physical capability of each participant. The instructor will provide different levels of difficulty for each of the steps in a routine, for example, a dance done in standing and using the arms may have the option of a wide leg stance, a narrower stance or single leg balance. Another example is when a dance involves repeated sit to stand movements from a chair, 3 different heights of chairs are offered. Participants will be encouraged to choose the version that challenges them but to report any issues to the instructor. Routines will increase in length and complexity across the weeks, but always with more basic options offered. A person-centred, relational approach will underpin the program, with the intention of developing trust and a sense of safety between the teacher and participants. The sessions will challenge cognition through learning, recalling, imagining, coordinating, multi-tasking and creating dance steps. Classes also focus on range of movement, posture, balance, strength, flexibility, coordination, gait, quality of movement, and dynamic movement practice, novel use of body parts and different tempos & rhythms. This is a single site study, and classes will be held in a community venue in Moreton Bay Council Area. All intervention participants will be expected to make their own way to and from the venue and participate in the dance classes twice a week for 10 weeks. They will be asked to complete a diary recording any falls or other adverse events that occur during the intervention. All participants will be asked to complete a survey and some brief physical tests before they are randomised, and then again when the 10-week dance program finishes. Once outcome data has been collected for all participants, control group participants will then receive the same 10-week dance program. Study records will be used to measure the retention of participants, assessed by number of participants who withdrew consent or participation, and instructors will record student attendance. A video recording will be made of one class to ensure fidelity of the program being delivered as it was designed.