Online Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy on Physical Activity and Whole-Person Health in Older Adults

This randomized controlled trial will examine whether an online, group-based Mindfulness-based Dance/Movement Therapy (M-DMT) intervention can increase physical activity and improve whole-person health among sedentary older adults. M-DMT combines mindful movement, creative expression, and interpersonal connection to support physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being. Participants will be randomly assigned to either M-DMT or the Stony Brook Health Education Program (HEP). The study will evaluate changes in physical activity, measured through self-report and accelerometry, as well as multiple dimensions of whole-person health. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, immediately following the 12-week intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Qualitative interviews will further explore participants' experiences with the interventions and their perceived effects on health and daily life.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 65-85 years. * Insufficiently physically active, defined as engaging in less than 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity or less than 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity physical activity, as assessed during screening. * Able to use a computer, tablet, or smartphone to participate in online intervention sessions and complete study assessments, with or without assistance. * Have adequate vision and hearing, with or without correction, to safely participate in online group sessions and complete study procedures. * Able to safely engage in mild-to-moderate physical activity, as determined through a virtual physical safety screening conducted by a physical therapist or trained study personnel. * Have sufficient cognitive capacity to provide informed consent and participate in study procedures, as assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Telehealth Version (MoCA-T). Individuals scoring 26 or higher will be considered eligible based on cognitive screening. * Able and willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Significant cognitive impairment, defined as a MoCA-T score below 18, or cognitive difficulties that prevent informed consent or safe participation. * Use of mobility aids, including a cane, walker, or wheelchair, or physical limitations that would prevent safe participation in movement-based activities. * Medical conditions that contraindicate participation in mild-to-moderate physical activity, as determined during the physical safety screening. * Surgery within the previous six months that may limit safe participation in physical activity. * Physician recommendations or restrictions against participation in moderate physical activity or exercise. * A recently diagnosed serious mental health condition that may interfere with participation in study procedures. * Any additional medical, physical, cognitive, or safety concern that, in the judgment of the study investigators, would make participation unsafe or compromise the integrity of the study.