Journal article
Connected through movement: a feasibility study of online mindfulness-based dance/movement therapy for older adults with age-related cognitive decline during COVID-19
Aging & mental health
23 Jun 2024
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Social isolation and loneliness pose significant public health risks, especially among older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline (ACD). This mixed methods feasibility study explored the potential of an online mindfulness-based dance/movement therapy (M-DMT) program to alleviate loneliness, enhance psychological well-being, and promote physical activity among older adults experiencing ACD during the COVID-19 pandemic.OBJECTIVESSocial isolation and loneliness pose significant public health risks, especially among older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline (ACD). This mixed methods feasibility study explored the potential of an online mindfulness-based dance/movement therapy (M-DMT) program to alleviate loneliness, enhance psychological well-being, and promote physical activity among older adults experiencing ACD during the COVID-19 pandemic.Sixteen participants engaged in a 12-week online group M-DMT program. Feasibility was assessed via enrollment and retention rates, attendance, adverse events, credibility/expectancy, participant perceptions, and satisfaction. Qualitative data were collected to capture participants' perspectives on the intervention's usefulness and perceived benefits. The intervention's preliminary impact on loneliness, depression, positive affect, psychological well-being, and physical activity was also examined.METHODSixteen participants engaged in a 12-week online group M-DMT program. Feasibility was assessed via enrollment and retention rates, attendance, adverse events, credibility/expectancy, participant perceptions, and satisfaction. Qualitative data were collected to capture participants' perspectives on the intervention's usefulness and perceived benefits. The intervention's preliminary impact on loneliness, depression, positive affect, psychological well-being, and physical activity was also examined.The study met all feasibility criteria, with 65% reporting post-intervention improvement. Significant reductions in loneliness and depression, along with enhanced positive affect and psychological well-being, were observed. Though physical activity increased, statistical significance was not achieved. Qualitative feedback highlighted improved social connectedness, overall quality of life, body awareness, kinematic strategy, and satisfaction with the program.RESULTSThe study met all feasibility criteria, with 65% reporting post-intervention improvement. Significant reductions in loneliness and depression, along with enhanced positive affect and psychological well-being, were observed. Though physical activity increased, statistical significance was not achieved. Qualitative feedback highlighted improved social connectedness, overall quality of life, body awareness, kinematic strategy, and satisfaction with the program.Online M-DMT holds promise in addressing well-being and loneliness challenges in older adults experiencing ACD. Further research is necessary to validate and expand upon these promising findings.CONCLUSIONOnline M-DMT holds promise in addressing well-being and loneliness challenges in older adults experiencing ACD. Further research is necessary to validate and expand upon these promising findings.
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Details
- Title
- Connected through movement: a feasibility study of online mindfulness-based dance/movement therapy for older adults with age-related cognitive decline during COVID-19
- Creators
- Minjung Shim - Drexel UniversityMelissa Kavanaugh - Drexel UniversityClarissa Lacson - Drexel UniversityNatasha Goldstein-Levitas - Drexel UniversityHansoo Chang - Drexel UniversityFenquing Zhang - Drexel UniversityNikhil Palekar - Stony Brook UniversityAdam Gonzalez - Stony Brook UniversityKathleen Fisher - Drexel University
- Publication Details
- Aging & mental health
- Publisher
- Taylor and Francis
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; Doctoral Nursing; Dance
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001253068800001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85196744016
- Other Identifier
- 991021889589004721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Geriatrics & Gerontology
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry