Dance-Mindfulness Intervention for Well-Being in Recreational Adults

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Healthy Volunteers, Health Promotion

In brief

This 12-week study protocol outlines a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a Dance-Mindfulness intervention integrating Modern Theatre Dance with mindfulness-based embodied practices to enhance psychological wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and embodied awareness in adults. The intervention combines: (1) polyvagal-informed breath-movement synchronization (nasal breathing, grounding); (2) ISTD (Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) Modern Theatre Dance technique progression and dance movements (Grades 2-4); (3) nervous system regulation through somatic practices; and (4) phenomenological reflection via weekly journaling and post-session integration. Study Design: Parallel-assignment randomized controlled trial (approx. N=320; n=160 intervention, n=160 waitlist control). Randomization uses computer-generated block randomization (block sizes 4-6). Outcomes: Perceived stress, mindfulness psychological wellbeing (happiness, life satisfaction), emotional regulation, social connection, movement confidence. Qualitative Component: Phenomenological interviews and weekly reflective journals from subsample (approx. n=20) analyzed via Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Intervention Delivery: 90-100 minute weekly sessions delivered over 12 weeks by qualified facilitator(s) trained in Modern Theatre Dance, mindfulness (≥3 years personal practice, MBSR, yoga or equivalent), trauma-informed care, and group facilitation. Sessions include 8 structured components: breath-grounding (9-10 min), technical dance work (14-15 min), conditioning (9-10 min), break-settling (4-5 min), rhythm improvisation (8-9 min), choreographed sequences (15-17 min), cool-down-integration (8-9 min), and phenomenological journaling (10-20 min). Safety \& Fidelity: Structured facilitator guidelines, session checklists, weekly supervision, adverse event protocols, and external fidelity monitoring ensure protocol integrity. Classroom size: 15-18 participants per session. Data Collection: Baseline (Week 0), mid-intervention (Week 6 only for qualitative), post-intervention (Week 12), and optional 1-3 month follow-up. Intent to treat analysis and mixed-effects modeling for between-group comparisons. Population: Adults (age 18+) seeking wellbeing enhancement through recreation or stress reduction. Eligible participants without acute mental health crisis. Primary Purpose: Health promotion and mental health improvement through nervous system regulation, embodied awareness, and psychosocial wellbeing enhancement.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07262177
Run by: University of Thessaly
People needed: 160
Starts: 2025-09-02
Expected to finish: 2026-05-31
Last updated by the study team: 2026-01-06

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 60. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may qualify if…

Adults aged 18 years and older
Enrolled in dance classes (preferring modern/contemporary) at participating schools for at least 6 months prior to study enrollment
Able and willing to attend weekly sessions for 12 consecutive weeks (minimum 70% attendance required)
Able to understand and complete study questionnaires in Greek language
Able to engage in moderate-intensity movement and dance activities without acute medical contraindications
Written informed consent provided
Willing to be randomly assigned to intervention or waitlist control group

You may not qualify if…

Musculoskeletal or neurological conditions limiting safe participation in moderate-intensity movement (e.g., acute injury, severe arthritis, neurological disease affecting coordination/balance)
Current severe psychological distress or mental health crisis requiring immediate clinical intervention (screened via DASS-21; cutoff: Severe or Extremely Severe on any subscale)
Pregnancy or planning pregnancy during the 12-week study period
Current concurrent participation in other psychological interventions, therapy, or mind-body programs (Pilates, yoga, tai-chi, other mindfulness-based interventions)
Unable to attend ≥70% of weekly sessions due to scheduling constraints or anticipated absences
Inability to provide informed consent or complete questionnaires in Greek
Acute medical illness or hospitalization within 2 weeks of study start
History of substance abuse disorder currently active or untreated

Where it is running

Department of PE and Sport Science (DPESS), University of Thessaly — Trikala, Thessaly, Greece (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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