Exploring the impact of dance: intersectoral quantitative and qualitative methodological challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations

Dance-based interventions/programs are gaining popularity; however, interventions are rarely explicitly described, including the role of dance facilitators, and their effects can be difficult to measure.

METHODS

To address these issues, our intersectoral team collected quantitative and qualitative data. via a non-randomized pre-post study for six dance groups (teenagers with cerebral palsy, children with cerebral visual impairment, adults receiving outpatient physical rehabilitation, adults with Parkinson's disease, women who were formerly unsheltered, and community-dwelling older adults) outcome measures (heart rate variability-HRV, Multidimensional Outcome Expectation for Exercise Scale, Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale, Flow Sate Scale, and an in-house questionnaire) were collected with 34 participants up to five times to explore changes over time. Interviews, ethnographic observations, video recording and a qualitative thematic analysis were also conducted to describe the pedagogical strategies of one dance facilitator.

RESULTS

HRV data were deemed unusable and other quantitative outcomes did not demonstrate statistically significant trends. Qualitative thematic analysis revealed important information about the adaptive verbal and non-verbal interactions between the facilitator and participants, linking to pleasure, effort, and body engagement.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Even without significant trends quantitatively, results were encouraging, and qualitative analyses were illuminating. Lessons learned and recommendations for future dance research and policymakers are included.

Partnered, adapted argentine tango dance for cancer survivors: A feasibility study and pilot study of efficacy

BACKGROUND

Neurotoxic cancer treatments can cause chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and postural control deficits that cancer survivors report as a concern. Exercise-based sensorimotor training has emerged as a promising treatment for symptoms including balance deficits, however, more study is needed to optimize engagement and participation. We evaluated feasibility, satisfaction, and preliminary efficacy of a novel balance training program for cancer survivors: partnered, Adapted Argentine Tango dance (Tango).

METHODS

Twenty-two individuals participated (n = 22). Tango classes (1 h) were offered twice/week. At baseline, midpoint (8 classes), and conclusion of the training (15 or 16 classes), we assessed postural control by measuring center-of-pressure (CoP) measures during quiet standing with eyes closed. We also documented attendance, barriers to attendance, and satisfaction (7 point scale; 1 high). At conclusion, we analyzed whether 1) attendance and satisfaction met feasibility criteria; 2) postural control improved among participants who were outside of normal range at baseline; and 3) co-enrolling with a companion increased attendance.

FINDINGS

Feasibility criteria were met: more than half of participants attended more than half the classes offered with a mean satisfaction rate of 1.2 (SD 0.4). Those who enrolled with a companion (n = 9) attended more sessions than those who did not (n = 13) (Mann-Whitney U value = 20; p = 0.012). Participants with demonstrated deficits (n = 9) improved in 3 CoP measures at midpoint (i.e., medial-lateral sway, ellipse area, medial-lateral velocity), retaining improvement in 2 CoP measures at endpoint (i.e., medial-lateral sway, ellipse area).

INTERPRETATION

Partnered, Adapted Argentine Tango is feasible for cancer survivors and may improve postural control. Enrolling with a companion improved attendance.