Connected through movement: a feasibility study of online mindfulness-based dance/movement therapy for older adults with age-related cognitive decline during COVID-19.

OBJECTIVES: Social isolation and loneliness pose significant public health risks, especially among older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline (ACD). This mixed methods feasibility study explored the potential of an online mindfulness-based dance/movement therapy (M-DMT) program to alleviate loneliness, enhance psychological well-being, and promote physical activity among older adults experiencing ACD during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Sixteen participants engaged in a 12-week online group M-DMT program. Feasibility was assessed via enrollment and retention rates, attendance, adverse events, credibility/expectancy, participant perceptions, and satisfaction. Qualitative data were collected to capture participants' perspectives on the intervention's usefulness and perceived benefits. The intervention's preliminary impact on loneliness, depression, positive affect, psychological well-being, and physical activity was also examined. RESULTS: The study met all feasibility criteria, with 65% reporting post-intervention improvement. Significant reductions in loneliness and depression, along with enhanced positive affect and psychological well-being, were observed. Though physical activity increased, statistical significance was not achieved. Qualitative feedback highlighted improved social connectedness, overall quality of life, body awareness, kinematic strategy, and satisfaction with the program. CONCLUSION: Online M-DMT holds promise in addressing well-being and loneliness challenges in older adults experiencing ACD. Further research is necessary to validate and expand upon these promising findings.

Vocal Music Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Mixed Methods Feasibility Study.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility and preliminary effects of a vocal music therapy (VMT) program on chronic pain management. Design: A mixed methods intervention design was used in which qualitative data were embedded within a randomized controlled trial. Setting: An urban nurse-management health center on the East Coast of the United States. Subjects: Participants (N = 43) were predominantly Black (79%) and female (76.7%) with an average pain duration of 10 years. Intervention: Participants were randomly allocated to a 12-week VMT program or a waitlist control. Outcome measures: We tracked consent rate (percentage of participants enrolled out of total number screened), attrition rate, and treatment adherence. We used PROMIS® (Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System) tools to measure pain interference, pain-related self-efficacy, pain intensity, depression, anxiety, positive effect, and well-being, ability to participate in social activities, and satisfaction with social roles at baseline and week 12. VMT participants also completed the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. We conducted semistructured interviews to better understand participants' experience of the intervention. Results: The consent rate was 56%. The attrition rate was 23%. Large treatment effects (partial eta squared) were obtained for self-efficacy (0.20), depression (0.26), and ability to participate in social activities (0.24). Medium effects were found for pain intensity (0.10), anxiety (0.06), positive effect, and well-being (0.06), and small effects for pain interference (0.03) and satisfaction with social roles (0.03). On average, participants felt moderately better after completion of the VMT program (M = 4.93, standard deviation = 1.98). Qualitative findings suggest that VMT resulted in better self-management of pain, enhanced psychological well-being, and stronger social and spiritual connections. Conclusions: Recruitment into the 12-week program was challenging, but quantitative and qualitative findings suggest significant benefits of VMT for chronic pain management.