Pilot evaluation of a dance-based physical activity program for adults with Down syndrome

Adults with Down syndrome (DS) face barriers to traditional exercise modalities due in part to a lack of interest or enjoyment, desire for social connectedness during exercise, and difficulty completing traditional exercise movements because of physical limitations. Dance provides a potential alternative to conventional exercise and may address some of these barriers. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, usability, safety, and energy expenditure of a 12-week dance-based exercise intervention in adults with DS.

Participants completed a 12-week remotely-delivered, dance-based exercise intervention. Classes were 35 minutes each and held twice weekly. Feasibility was assessed via retention and attendance. Usability was assessed via a satisfaction survey, with all measures assessed on a 5-point Likert scale, and safety was based on the number of adverse events. Energy expenditure was assessed using indirect calorimetry.

Twenty participants (mean age 28.3 years, 70% female) enrolled in the intervention, and study retention was 100%. Participants attended 21.7 out of 24 sessions (90.4%). Satisfaction scores were high, with overall satisfaction rated as 4.8±0.4 (100% rating 4 or above). There were no intervention-related adverse events reported. Sixteen participants completed an assessment of energy expenditure, with the average metabolic equivalents (METs) of 4.8 ± 1.0, exceeding the threshold for moderate intensity (3.0 METs).

Intervention retention, attendance, and satisfaction were all high and energy expenditure met the threshold for moderate intensity. Remotely-delivered dance may represent a feasible and effective exercise modality for adults with DS to increase overall exercise participation and should be tested in a larger intervention.