Integrated Dance and Dance Movement Therapeutics (IDDMT) To Fall Prevention among Chinese Community-Dwelling Older Adults: The Preliminary Findings

Background: Majority of the studies emphasized either of the physical or psychological outcomes for fall prevention, the combined effects was rarely evaluated. Studies of an integrated approach to fall prevention on the physical and psychological changes were indicated. Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to explore the impact of the integrated dance and dance movement therapeutics (IDDMT) on the physical and psychological health outcomes among the community-dwelling older adults. Methods & Materials: Pre-experimental pretest and posttest design of the IDDMT on the paired dependent groups. The physical health outcomes were measured by the uni-pedal stance (Balance) test and Timed-Up & Go (TUG Mobility) test. The psychological fear of fall and wellbeing were measured by the revised fear of fall questionnaire (FFQ-R) & 5-Item World Health Organization (WHO-5) Well Being Index respectively. Data Analysis: The descriptive analysis, paired-sample T-test and Wilcoxon test were used to examine the effects of the IDDMT program on mobility, balance, fear of fall and wellbeing to fall prevention. Significance: The study added further knowledge and evidence on the effect of IDDMT on fall prevention among older adults.