Dance Rehabilitation for Frailty

(GERAS DANCE Trial)

Overseen By Patricia Hewston, PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: McMaster University

Disqualifiers: Severe cardiac, Pulmonary disease, Neurological, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 27

Duration: 12 weeks

250 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores whether a dance program called Cognitive Groove can help older adults experiencing frailty (a state of decreased strength and endurance) improve their physical abilities and overall quality of life. Participants will either join Cognitive Groove dance classes twice a week for three months or continue their usual activities without any new intervention. The study will compare improvements in movement, strength, mood, and other quality of life factors between the two groups. The trial is suitable for people aged 65 and older who have difficulty with mobility but can walk independently, follow instructions, and attend the YMCA twice a week.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative ways to enhance quality of life through dance.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with your doctor before participating.

What prior data suggests that Cognitive Groove is safe for older adults with frailty?

Research shows that Cognitive Groove, a dance-based program, is generally safe for older adults. Studies have found that GERAS DANCE programs, including Cognitive Groove, receive positive feedback from participants. These programs are considered doable and enjoyable, even for those with early signs of memory or movement issues. No major reports of negative effects have emerged from these programs. This suggests that the dance classes are likely safe for older adults with frailty, making them a promising option for improving movement and confidence. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Cognitive Groove (GERAS DANCE) for frailty because it combines physical activity with cognitive stimulation in a fun and engaging dance format. Unlike traditional exercise programs, Cognitive Groove uses music and dance routines from the '50s and '60s to enhance participants' balance, coordination, and confidence in movement. This approach not only targets physical aspects of frailty but also promotes social interaction and mental engagement, which can be particularly beneficial for older adults. By integrating these elements, Cognitive Groove offers a holistic method that could improve overall quality of life beyond what standard care options typically achieve.

What evidence suggests that Cognitive Groove is effective for frailty?

Research shows that Cognitive Groove, a dance-based program, may benefit older adults with frailty. In this trial, participants in the Cognitive Groove (GERAS DANCE) arm will engage in structured dance classes designed to enhance physical abilities, strength, and balance. Studies indicate that such programs can lead to improvements in these areas. Participants in earlier programs reported feeling happier and thinking more clearly, which are important for those dealing with frailty. Additionally, dancing to music seems to increase confidence in movement and reduce the fear of falling. Overall, evidence suggests that Cognitive Groove could improve the quality of life and mobility for older adults. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Alexandra Papaioannou, MD

Principal Investigator

McMaster University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older who are at high risk for mobility disability, can walk independently (with or without a device), follow instructions, have medical clearance to exercise, and can get to the YMCA twice weekly. It's not suitable for those who don't meet these criteria.

Inclusion Criteria

I can walk by myself for 25 meters, with or without help like a cane.

My doctor says it's safe for me to exercise.

I can get to the YMCA twice a week.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants attend Cognitive Groove classes twice per week for 3 months

12 weeks

24 visits (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical performance, quality of life, and other health metrics

9 months

Periodic assessments at 3-month and 12-month intervals

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Cognitive Groove

Trial Overview The study tests if Cognitive Groove dance classes improve movement, strength, frailty status, balance confidence, mood, cognition and quality of life in elderly with frailty compared to usual care. Participants will attend dance classes twice a week for three months.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Cognitive Groove (GERAS DANCE) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Classes will occur twice per week for 3 months. Classes follow a consistent sequence of activities (orientation and socialization \[10-mins\]; warm-up \[5-mins\]; structured dance \[30-mins\]; cool-down \[5-mins\]; socialization and review of weekly hand-outs for balance exercises \[10-mins\]. The curriculum schedule includes five foundations and seven routines. Cognitive Groove (GERAS DANCE) foundations emphasize learning the ABCs of movement and increasing participants' confidence to move their bodies forward and backward and side-to-side with improved speed and rhythmicity. Cognitive Groove (GERAS DANCE) routines combine the foundational skills into full choreographed dances to music from the '50s and '60s (e.g., rock and roll, jazz, salsa, cha cha cha, rhythm soul, swing, disco, and Bollywood). Participants will receive an intervention-specific study manual that describes the homework exercises for each week.

Group II: Usual Care Active Control 1 Intervention

The control arm participants will continue with their usual care and normal activities. They will not receive any intervention during the study but will be given the opportunity to participate in Cognitive Groove (GERAS DANCE) programming after the study.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

McMaster University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

936

Recruited

2,630,000+

Citations

1. app.trialscreen.org app.trialscreen.org/trials/cognitive-groove-brought-to-geras-dance-trial-nct06870149

Cognitive Groove (Brought to You by GERAS DANCE) Potential benefits of participating in the Cognitive Groove program include improvements in physical function, strength, balance, mood, cognition, and overall ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06870149

Cognitive Groove (Brought to You by GERAS DANCE) In community-dwelling older adults living with frailty is Cognitive Groove more effective than usual care in improving frailty status, fear of falling, balance ...

3. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/313612/cognitive-groove-brought-to-you-by-geras-dance/

Cognitive Groove (Brought to You by GERAS DANCE) In community-dwelling older adults living with frailty is Cognitive Groove more effective than usual care in improving frailty status, fear of ...

4. gerascentre.ca gerascentre.ca/our-research/cognitive-groove-brought-to-you-by-geras-dance/

Cognitive Groove: Dancing for Brain Health & Mobility Cognitive Groove uses music and movement to improve physical performance and mobility in older adults with frailty, with classes twice a week for 3 months.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8767754/

Development of GERAS DANcing for Cognition and ... This manuscript describes the development of GERAS DANcing for Cognition and Exercise (DANCE) and evaluates its feasibility in older adults with cognitive and ...

6. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35045863/

Development of GERAS DANcing for Cognition and ... GERAS DANCE is a feasible and enjoyable program for older adults with early cognitive or mobility impairments.

7. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/07334648251387388

Dancing for Brain Health and Mobility: A Mixed-Methods ... This study examines the implementation of virtual GERAS DANCE in community, hospital, and long-term care (LTC) settings.