Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41856592›Full record

ArticleBMJ open2026

Co-designing an intergenerational dance programme using the 6SQuID framework: a development and proof-of-concept study.

Siobhán M O'Reilly, Orfhlaith Ni Bhriain, Lehana Thabane, Amanda Clifford

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Article in BMJ open, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Siobhán M O'ReillySchool of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland oreilly.siobhan@ul.ie.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3727-1483
Orfhlaith Ni BhriainHealth Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
Lehana ThabaneDepartment of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0355-9734
Amanda CliffordSchool of Allied Health, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0917-419X

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundDance is an artistic and social form of exercise and has been shown to be effective across the lifespan. Intergenerational dance programmes can have beneficial effects in reducing discrimination and fostering communities. Previous intergenerational dance programmes included small sample sizes or were not designed to target physical outcomes. There is a need for well-designed community-based intergenerational dance programmes to target the needs of older adults (OAs) and adolescents addressing physical activity, ageism and loneliness. AIMS AND

objectivesThe aim of this study was to co-design and refine the content of an intergenerational dance programme with OAs and adolescents using the 'six steps in quality intervention development framework' (6SQuID). The objectives were to complete steps 1-4 of the 6SQuID framework and run a short pilot study with OAs.

designA proof-of-concept pilot study.

settingThe programme took place in a local community centre.

participants12 participants were recruited (n=5 adolescents; n=7 OAs). Adolescents were aged between 14 and 16 years. OAs were aged 60 years and older.

interventionsThe intervention was led by a physiotherapist and dance teacher and comprised of intergenerational practice and social dance. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures focused on physical activity, well-being, ageism and mobility. Accelerometers were used to establish programme intensity. Focus groups were conducted to explore the opinions of participants. Qualitative data were analysed using Thematic Analysis.

resultsSix OAs and four adolescents completed the programme. The average age of OAs was 72.8±6.69 years and the adolescents were aged 14-16 years. The intensity of the classes was driven by participants, with some achieving vigorous intensity, and most achieving light-moderate intensity. This accounted for an average of 28.36 (±11.02) min of the class. The outcome measures were found to be meaningful for participants; however, more challenging balance measures were suggested by both cohorts. The social dance was enjoyable, especially when the music was tailored to participants' preferences. Meeting with other age groups was valued, and it was suggested that more time should be given to icebreakers and socialising.

conclusionsIntergenerational dance may be a promising way of improving well-being, intergenerational connections and achieving moderate-intensity activity. The process of designing an evidence-based intervention in this paper can be used to guide researchers and practitioners in designing an intergenerational arts-based programme.

Indexed as

DancingExerciseIntergenerational RelationsProgram DevelopmentAdolescentFemaleHumansLonelinessMaleMiddle AgedPilot ProjectsProof of Concept StudyAdolescentAgingCommunity ParticipationMethods

Identifiers

PMID41856592
PMCPMC13007158

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.