Cognitive Groove dance program for older adults living with frailty
Official title: Does Cognitive Groove (Brought to You by GERAS DANCE) Improve Physical Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Frailty: A Parallel Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by McMaster University · NCT06870149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether Cognitive Groove, a community-based dance rehabilitation program, helps community-dwelling older adults with frailty improve movement, strength, mood, and quality of life compared with usual care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 10, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06870149 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older who score ≥2 on the FRAIL scale, can walk 25 meters independently (with or without an aid), can follow two-step instructions, obtain medical clearance, and can travel to the YMCA up to twice weekly.
✕Probably not a fit
People with severe cardiac or pulmonary disease, unstable angina or heart failure, advanced osteoarthritis awaiting joint replacement, progressive neurological disorders like Parkinson's, those receiving palliative care, those already in structured exercise programs, or those unable to attend regularly are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Cognitive Groove is a community-based dance rehabilitation program delivered at local YMCA sites and compared against usual care in community-dwelling older adults living with frailty. Participants are aged 65 or older, meet a FRAIL scale threshold indicating high risk for mobility disability, can ambulate 25 meters, and receive medical clearance to exercise. Outcomes include functional movement, physical performance and strength, frailty status, balance and fear of falling, mood, cognition, activities of daily living, life-space mobility, loneliness, quality of life, and 12-month cost-effectiveness. The intervention is delivered up to twice weekly with follow-up to determine clinical and economic effects over a 12-month period.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could offer an accessible community-based option to improve mobility, reduce frailty-related limitations, and enhance quality of life for older adults living with frailty.
How similar studies have gone: Previous community-based dance and movement programs have shown improvements in balance, mobility, and mood in older adults, but rigorous trials specifically focused on frailty are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Community-dwelling aged ≥65 years * At high risk for mobility disability/functional limitations as assessed by the FRAIL Scale ≥2 * Able to ambulate independently (25 m) with or without an assistive device * Able to follow two-step instructions * Medical clearance from referring clinician, or for self-referrals, medical clearance from family physician to safely participate in exercise * Can arrange transportation to the YMCA up to 2 times per week Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to speak or understand English * Current regular participation in a structured exercise program or receiving active physical therapy services * Severe cardiac or pulmonary disease * Unstable angina or heart failure * Severe osteoarthritis (e.g., awaiting joint replacement) * Parkinson's disease or other progressive neurological disorder * Receiving palliative care * Travel/commitments requiring missing more than two weeks
Where it's running
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Geras Centre for Aging Research, St. Peter's Hospital, Hamilton Health Sciences
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Alexandra Papaioannou, MD — McMaster University
- Study coordinator: Patricia Hewston, PhD
- Email: hewstonp@hhsc.ca
- Phone: 905-521-2100
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.