Texas Dance for Health: Mixed Methods Pilot Study Promoting Physical Activity Among Older Adults

Regular physical activity is essential for healthy aging. Less than 25% of older U.S. adults meet physical activity recommendations. The primary aim of Texas Dance for Health (D4H) was to determine whether older adults could achieve recommended aerobic physical activity intensity by dancing. Secondary aims were (1) determining participants' attendance and enjoyment and (2) building a community-academic partnership.

RE-AIM was the design framework for this mixed methods, nurse-facilitated, 8-week pilot study in the Spring of 2023. Weekly sessions comprised check-in, mini-lessons, dancing, and data collection. Participants danced sitting, standing, or both.

We divided each participant's pulse rate by maximum aerobic capacity to determine weekly activity intensity. Participants completed Physical Activity Enjoyment and Rating of Perceived Exertion scales after each session. Nurses collected attendance data and facilitated Table Talks (Weeks 4 and 8) to explore participants' enjoyment and solicit feedback for improving and sustaining Dance for Health (D4H). Observations and field notes provided data regarding time, cost, logistics, and overall feasibility.

Across eight weeks, 68 to 84% of participants reached target heart rates. Nearly one-quarter of participants attended all sessions, with 65.7% attending > 5 sessions. At Week 8, the mean enjoyment score was 6.7 of 7. No adverse consequences occurred. Partners and participants identified strategies for sustainability.

D4H was an enjoyable way for older adults to reach recommended aerobic physical activity intensity. Feasible in costs and logistics, D4H design addressed key barriers to older adult physical activity.

Dancing is an effective multicomponent fitness intervention for community dwelling older adults.