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

Regular physical activity supports healthy aging by helping older adults maintain physical and cognitive functioning, independence, and quality of life. Despite these benefits, many older adults do not engage in sufficient physical activity. Accessible interventions that address both physical activity and broader dimensions of health are needed to support healthy aging. This study will evaluate an online Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy (M-DMT) intervention designed to promote physical activity and whole-person health among sedentary older adults. M-DMT integrates mindfulness practices with dance/movement therapy to encourage participants to explore movement in ways that are responsive to their individual abilities, physical sensations, and emotional experiences. Through mindful awareness, creative movement, and group interaction, the intervention aims to support enjoyment of movement, confidence in physical activity, and social connection. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two online group interventions: M-DMT or the Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP). The study will use a mixed-methods approach to examine intervention outcomes and participants' experiences. The primary objective is to determine whether M-DMT produces greater improvements in physical activity compared with HEP. Physical activity will be assessed using self-report measures and accelerometry. The secondary objective is to evaluate the effects of M-DMT on whole-person health, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. The study will examine whether participation in M-DMT is associated with improvements across these interconnected dimensions of health. An exploratory objective is to investigate potential mechanisms through which M-DMT may influence physical activity and health outcomes. These include physical activity self-efficacy, intrinsic motivation, mindful awareness, and perceived social support. The study will examine whether changes in these factors are associated with changes in physical activity. Quantitative assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately following the 12-week intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews will explore participants' experiences, perceived benefits, and factors that facilitate or hinder engagement in the interventions. Findings from this study will inform the development and potential implementation of accessible, remotely delivered mind-body interventions to promote physical activity and whole-person health among older adults.