Actively Recruiting
Mindful Embodied Movement: A 12-Week Modern Dance-Mindfulness Intervention and Mixed-Methods Randomized Controlled Trial in Recreational Adult Dancers
Led by University of Thessaly · Updated on 2026-01-06
160
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
7 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Thessaly
Lead Sponsor
A
Aristotle University Of Thessaloniki
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating a 12-week Dance-Mindfulness program designed to improve psychological wellbeing, nervous system regulation, and embodied awareness in adults who participate in recreational dance. This randomized controlled trial compares the intervention to a waitlist control group and aims to fill a gap by integrating mindfulness practices into regular dance classes. The study focuses on enhancing emotional regulation, stress reduction, happiness, social connection, and movement confidence through a novel combination of modern theatre dance and mindfulness techniques. The intervention consists of weekly 90-100 minute sessions led by trained facilitators, combining breath-movement synchronization, Modern Theatre Dance technique (Grades 2-4), somatic nervous system regulation, and reflective journaling. The sessions follow a structured eight-part format including grounding, technical dance work, conditioning, rhythm improvisation, choreography, cool-down, and journaling. The 12-week program progresses through three phases: foundational skills in weeks 1-4, embodied exploration in weeks 5-8, and expressive integration in weeks 9-12. Control group participants continue regular dance activities without mindfulness elements and are offered the intervention after post-study assessments. Participants complete baseline assessments before randomization and post-intervention evaluations at week 12, measuring life satisfaction, psychological distress, mindfulness, happiness, and leisure involvement. A subset provides qualitative data via weekly journals and interviews to explore personal meaning and embodiment. Safety measures include monitoring for mild physical fatigue and emotional discomfort, and attendance tracking requires at least 70% participation. The study includes fidelity checks to ensure consistent delivery across sites. The total study participation lasts 12 weeks, with optional follow-up 1-3 months later to assess lasting effects.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Dance-Mindfulness Intervention for Well-Being in Recreational Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 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 will not qualify if you...
- 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
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person) for baseline assessments and consent
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants attend one weekly 90-100 minute Dance-Mindfulness session integrating modern dance techniques with mindfulness, somatic practices, and reflective journaling over 12 weeks.
Weekly sessions for 12 weeks (in-person group classes)
Duration - 1 week
Participants complete post-intervention assessments and, for a subset, qualitative interviews to explore changes in embodied awareness and emotional regulation.
1 visit (in-person) for post-intervention assessments and interviews
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of PE and Sport Science (DPESS), University of Thessaly
Trikala, Thessaly, Greece, 42100
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
A
AGLAIA ZAFEIROUDI, Special Educational Staff
C
CHARILAOS KOUTHOURIS, Professor
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
PREVENTION
Number of Arms
2
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here