Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 9, 2025
Community-based Adapted Tango Dancing for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease and Older Adults
Published on: December 9, 2014
Enhancing interoceptive awareness in community-dwelling older adults: effects of a psychomotor intervention mediated
Hugo Rosado1,2, Patrícia Motta1, Ana Cruz-Ferreira1,2
1Departamento de Desporto e Saúde, Escola de Saúde e Desenvolvimento Humano, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the effects of a psychomotor intervention mediated by creative dance on interoceptive awareness in community-dwelling older adults.
Methods:
This 12-week non-randomized clinical trial involved 34 participants (74.6 ± 6.6 years), divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG) engaged in a psychomotor intervention (3×/week; 60 min/session), while the control group (CG) continued their usual daily activities. Interoceptive awareness was assessed using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness at baseline and post-intervention.
Results:
Within-group comparison showed significant improvements in the EG for the scales of Noticing, Not-Worrying, Attention Regulation, Emotional Awareness, Self-Regulation, and Trusting, (p < 0.05). Post-intervention comparison between groups revealed significant differences in all aforementioned scales (p < 0.05), except for Not-Worrying. Overall, the CG maintained or decreased their results. The improvements observed in the EG were clinically relevant, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large.
Conclusion:
Our study results highlight the potential of a psychomotor intervention mediated by creative dance for enhancing interoceptive awareness in community-dwelling older adults, contributing to better emotional regulation and overall well-being. This effective intervention can be a valuable strategy for promoting healthy aging.
