GERAS DANCE team receives new CIHR funding for large randomized trial

A team of researchers at the Geras Centre for Aging Research, led by Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, have received a three-year project grant worth $569,926 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in its latest round of funding.

The new grant will support a randomized trial to examine the impact of the GERAS Dancing for Cognition and Exercise (DANCE) program on physical performance in frail older adults.

“Dance is not only good for your body, it’s good for your brain,” said Dr. Papaioannou, professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University and executive director of the Geras Centre for Aging Research. “Dancing helps to train the body to maintain balance, preventing falls. It involves learning new movements, paying attention to instructions, and using memory and planning skills. All of these activities help keep the mind and body healthy.”

Using a broad range of dance styles – from jazz to Bollywood – the evidence-based program, launched in 2019, incorporates strength and mobility exercises as well as motor learning and neuroplasticity. It provides older adults with an enjoyable way to exercise regularly so they can continue participating in everyday activities. It is available in person and virtually, through live-streams and on-demand videos. GERAS DANCE has been supported by the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA), The Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation (CABHI) and AGE-WELL.

In small pilot studies, the research team has shown that the program improves walking speed, balance and the ability to rise from a chair. The new grant aims to confirm the efficacy of the program with a larger randomized trial.

Older adults with frailty will participate in three one-hour sessions per week of either GERAS DANCE or usual activities, and their physical performance will be assessed and compared after four and 12 months.

“GERAS DANCE is poised to become a signature rehabilitation program known for research excellence and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of older adults,” said Dr. Papaioannou. “By combining scientific rigor and dance, we are on a mission to transform the lives of older adults and make a positive impact both in Canada and globally.”

GERAS DANCE was developed with rehabilitation experts at the Geras Centre for Aging Research at Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University in partnership with YMCA of Hamilton Burlington Brantford. To advance GERAS DANCE, the team also participated in programs available through The Clinic health innovation hub at McMaster including the Health Innovation Bootcamp and Residency @ The Clinic business incubator.

“The Clinic helped fast-track the GERAS DANCE program to reach older adults and supported its expansion across Canada,” said Dr. Patricia Hewston, assistant clinical professor in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster University and research associate of the Geras Centre for Aging Research. “Our team is dedicated to conducting research that directly benefits older adults, focusing on quickly translating their findings into frontline care.”

Those aged 60 years and older who feel they have lost energy or mobility can apply to be part of the study by calling (905)521-2100 extension 12437 or emailing Karen Thompson at thompsokar@hhs.ca.

Congratulations to The Clinic alumni GERAS DANCE: Dr. Alexandra Papaioannou, Dr. Patricia Hewston, Dr. George Ioannidis, and Dr. Courtney Kennedy