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Physical Activity and WellbeingMOVE WELLNCT07852572

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

A study testing Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy and Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP) in people with Physical Activity and Wellbeing and Whole Health, run by Drexel University at 1 site in United States.

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

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. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 65 to 85 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Physical Activity and Wellbeing, Whole Health
What is being tested?
Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy and Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP)
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
204 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
1 Mar 2027to 30 Jul 2031
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 65 to 85 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Adults aged 65-85 years.
  • Insufficiently physically active, defined as engaging in less than 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity or less than 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity physical activity, as assessed during screening.
  • Able to use a computer, tablet, or smartphone to participate in online intervention sessions and complete study assessments, with or without assistance.
  • Have adequate vision and hearing, with or without correction, to safely participate in online group sessions and complete study procedures.
  • Able to safely engage in mild-to-moderate physical activity, as determined through a virtual physical safety screening conducted by a physical therapist or trained study personnel.
  • Have sufficient cognitive capacity to provide informed consent and participate in study procedures, as assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Telehealth Version (MoCA-T). Individuals scoring 26 or higher will be considered eligible based on cognitive screening.
  • Able and willing to provide informed consent.

Who cannot join

  • Significant cognitive impairment, defined as a MoCA-T score below 18, or cognitive difficulties that prevent informed consent or safe participation.
  • Use of mobility aids, including a cane, walker, or wheelchair, or physical limitations that would prevent safe participation in movement-based activities.
  • Medical conditions that contraindicate participation in mild-to-moderate physical activity, as determined during the physical safety screening.
  • Surgery within the previous six months that may limit safe participation in physical activity.
  • Physician recommendations or restrictions against participation in moderate physical activity or exercise.
  • A recently diagnosed serious mental health condition that may interfere with participation in study procedures.
  • Any additional medical, physical, cognitive, or safety concern that, in the judgment of the study investigators, would make participation unsafe or compromise the integrity of the study.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Minjung Shim, PhD contact

267-359-5592

ms344@drexel.edu

United States1 site
  • Drexel University

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104

    Melinda Webster, 267-359-5502, mjw377@drexel.edu

    Minjung Shim, PhD

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Evaluating the Effects of Online Group Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy on Physical Activity and Whole-Person Health in Older Adults

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.

Read the detailed description

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.

Being tested
Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy, Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP)
Keywords
Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy, Dance/Movement Therapy, Older adults, online intervention, Whole-person health, physical activity, healthy aging, creative arts therapies
Medical subject headings
Motor Activity

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement TherapyBehavioural

    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)Behavioural

    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 groups in NCT07852572
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement TherapyExperimentalParticipants 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.
Receives: Behavioral: Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy
Health Enhancement ProgramActive comparatorParticipants 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.
Receives: Behavioral: Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP)

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Self-Reported Physical Activity

    Self-reported physical activity will be assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), which measures physical activity during the previous seven days. Weekly minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) will be calculated from reported frequency and duration of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activities. Higher values indicate greater physical activity. The primary outcome will be the change in weekly MVPA minutes from baseline to immediately following the 12-week intervention.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Accelerometer-Measured Physical Activity

    Objective physical activity will be assessed using a study-provided accelerometer worn over seven consecutive days at each assessment period.Accelerometry will be used to estimate time spent in different physical activity intensity categories, including light, moderate, and vigorous activity. Changes in device-measured activity will be compared between intervention groups.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24

  2. Lower-Body Physical Function

    Lower-body physical function will be assessed by counting the number of times a participant can rise from a seated position to standing and return to sitting within 30 seconds.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24

  3. Static Balance

    Static balance will be assessed using the Four-Stage Balance Test, which evaluates the ability to maintain progressively challenging standing positions. Participants will attempt each position for up to 10 seconds. Balance performance will be characterized by the number of successfully completed positions and/or the highest balance stage achieved, according to the prespecified scoring procedure.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24

  4. Cognitive function

    Cognitive processing speed and attention will be assessed using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT).

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24

  5. Self-Reported Health Outcomes

    The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 29-item Profile (PROMIS-29) will assess multiple dimensions of health, including physical function, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, ability to participate in social roles and activities, and pain interference, along with pain intensity. Physical Function: Four items are scored from 1 to 5 and summed to produce a raw score ranging from 4-20. Higher scores indicate better physical functioning; Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities: Score ranges from 4 to 20. Higher scores indicate better social functioning. [Anxiety/Depression/Fatigue/Sleep Disturbance/Pain Interference]:four items scored from 1 to 5. The raw score ranges from 4 to 20. Higher scores indicate greater [anxiety/depressive symptoms/fatigue/sleep disturbance/pain interference]. Single pain-intensity item assessing average pain during the past 7 days. Scores range from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24

  6. Psychological Well-Being

    Psychological well-being will be assessed using the five-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). The measure evaluates positive mood, vitality, and general well-being during the preceding two weeks.Each item is scored from 0 to 5. Raw scores are summed and range from 0 to 25; the raw score may be multiplied by 4 to produce a percentage score ranging from 0 to 100. Higher scores indicate better psychological well-being.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24

  7. Whole-person health

    Whole-person health will be assessed using the Whole Person Health Index, a self-report instrument evaluating perceived health across interconnected dimensions of well-being, including physical health, emotional well-being, social relationships, lifestyle behaviors, and health management. Each item is scored from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent), and the nine items are summed to produce a total score ranging from 9 to 45. Higher scores indicate better overall self-assessed whole-person health.

    Measured: Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted1 Oct 2026
  2. Study start1 Mar 2027 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion31 Jan 2031 (estimated)
  4. Study completion30 Jul 2031 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
204 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07852572
Sponsor's protocol ID
1R01AT013255-01A1
Acronym
MOVE WELL
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
25 Sep 2026
Last updated
15 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Shim, M., Lacson, C., Kavanaugh, M., Goldstein-Levitas, N., & Fisher, K. (2024). Online mindful movement approach for older adults: Two case studies. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 48(4), 705-722.

  • Shim M, Park SG, Smith D, Uhler E, Lacson C. Tele-Dance Interventions for Health Outcomes: A Scoping Review. Telemed J E Health. 2026 Jun;32(6):547-565. doi: 10.1177/15305627261427355. Epub 2026 Mar 14.

    PubMed 41830552
  • Shim M, Gaydos M, Goldstein-Levitas N, Musalo N, Prakash N, Bradt J, Zhang F, Wenger S, Gonzalez A. Development and feasibility of a mindfulness-based dance/movement therapy intervention for chronic low back pain. Front Pain Res (Lausanne). 2024 Apr 10;5:1281085. doi: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1281085. eCollection 2024.

    PubMed 38689886
  • Shim M, Kavanaugh M, Lacson C, Goldstein-Levitas N, Chang H, Zhang F, Palekar N, Gonzalez A, Fisher K. 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 Ment Health. 2024 Dec;28(12):1676-1685. doi: 10.1080/13607863.2024.2364754. Epub 2024 Jun 23.

    PubMed 38910361

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy and Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP) in people with Physical Activity and Wellbeing and Whole Health, run by Drexel University at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Minjung Shim, PhD (267-359-5592, ms344@drexel.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Self-Reported Physical Activity (time frame: Baseline, Week 12, and approximately Week 24). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07852572, which also lists 4 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 26 Oct 2026.

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