Award Date

5-15-2026

Degree Type

Doctoral Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Committee Member

Daniel Young

Second Committee Member

Kai-Yu Ho

Number of Pages

65

Abstract

Background

Falls are a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among older adults. Evidence-based programs such as Otago and Tai Ji Quan reduce fall risk, yet barriers to access and adherence remain. Dance-based interventions may offer a practical, enjoyable approach to engage older adults in balance training.

Purpose

This formative pilot study aimed to develop four dance routines grounded in evidence- based balance principles and evaluate their feasibility and acceptability among older adults, including factors influencing enjoyment and willingness to continue participation, to inform future clinical and community implementation.

Methods

Four routines (Polka, Country, Rockabilly, Salsa) were developed using movements drawn from established fall-prevention programs. Older adults attended community-based sessions and completed post-routine questionnaires assessing enjoyment, difficulty, fear of falling, and likelihood of at-home practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to summarize questionnaire responses. Linear regression analyses examined relationships between perceived challenge, enjoyment, and demographic variables. Chi-square tests evaluated associations between participant characteristics and delivery preferences. Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Findings indicated high feasibility and acceptability. Participants generally reported that routines were enjoyable and perceived as potentially beneficial for reducing fall risk. Regression analyses demonstrated a significant relationship between perceived challenge and enjoyment (p < 0.05), while no significant associations were found between enjoyment and demographic variables. Chi-square analysis indicated a significant preference for in-person over video-based instruction. Country and Rockabilly were rated most enjoyable, while Polka was most challenging. Although in-person instruction was preferred, participants expressed interest in video-based options for at-home use.

Conclusion

Dance-based routines targeting balance are feasible and acceptable for community- dwelling older adults. Dance-based programming may represent an engaging approach to fall- prevention participation, with participants reporting willingness to engage in both in-person and video-based formats.

Keywords

dance; falls prevention; older adults; feasibility; acceptability

Disciplines

Community Health | Geriatrics | Physical Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy

File Format

PDF

File Size

635 KB

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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