AUTHOR=Rosado Hugo , Motta Patrícia , Cruz-Ferreira Ana , Pereira Catarina 

TITLE=Enhancing interoceptive awareness in community-dwelling older adults: effects of a psychomotor intervention mediated by creative dance

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1515393

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1515393

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of a psychomotor intervention mediated by creative dance on interoceptive awareness in community-dwelling older adults.MethodsThis 12-week non-randomized clinical trial involved 34 participants (74.6 ± 6.6 years), divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG) engaged in a psychomotor intervention (3×/week; 60 min/session), while the control group (CG) continued their usual daily activities. Interoceptive awareness was assessed using the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness at baseline and post-intervention.ResultsWithin-group comparison showed significant improvements in the EG for the scales of Noticing, Not-Worrying, Attention Regulation, Emotional Awareness, Self-Regulation, and Trusting, (p < 0.05). Post-intervention comparison between groups revealed significant differences in all aforementioned scales (p < 0.05), except for Not-Worrying. Overall, the CG maintained or decreased their results. The improvements observed in the EG were clinically relevant, with effect sizes ranging from medium to large.ConclusionOur study results highlight the potential of a psychomotor intervention mediated by creative dance for enhancing interoceptive awareness in community-dwelling older adults, contributing to better emotional regulation and overall well-being. This effective intervention can be a valuable strategy for promoting healthy aging.