Adapting Dance to Complex Clinical Contexts: A Methodology Model.

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation sciences
• Dance therapy
• Clinical intervention design

Background:

• Health-related dance interventions lack documented adaptation processes.
• Existing adaptations rarely follow theoretical or practical guidelines.
• Describing adaptation processes can inform other health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the adaptation process of a dance intervention in a complex clinical setting.
• To propose a methodology for adapting interventions in specific clinical contexts.
• To inspire the development of other context-specific interventions.

Main Methods:

• Embedded single-case study focusing on the adaptation process.
• Involved rehabilitation therapists, patients, relatives, and assistants (n=35).
• Utilized diverse data collection (focus groups, observation, interviews, TIDieR checklist) and inductive qualitative analysis.

Main Results:

• Adaptations were iterative, informed by scientific knowledge and stakeholder experiences.
• Intervention pedagogy emphasized adapting dance content to participant needs and self-adaptation.
• A four-stage methodology was developed: preliminary design, therapist validation, specific tailoring, and ongoing tailoring.

Conclusions:

• Optimizing dance intervention adaptation requires collaboration with clinicians.
• Synergistic coherence ensures dance complements therapeutic objectives.
• A structured methodology enhances dance's contribution in complex clinical contexts.