300 Section - Developing an interdisciplinary framework for dance-based movement rehabilitation in an Acquired Brain Injury setting

Acquired brain injury (ABI) is associated with physical, cognitive, and psychosocial sequelae, necessitating an interdisciplinary approach to optimize functional recovery. Dance-based movement may support rehabilitation goals while also promoting social engagement. Emerging research in chronic stroke populations supports dance as a multimodal activity, improving motor rehabilitation and social interaction. However, implementing such a program into ABI rehabilitation effectively remains unclear. This qualitative study examined rehabilitation clinicians’ perspectives on implementing a dance-based movement program.

Design:

Clinicians (n=11) were recruited from their existing interdisciplinary rehabilitation teams into four focus groups. Each included one physical therapist, occupational therapist, and speech-language pathologist who collaboratively provide care to the same inpatients. One focus group included ABI clinicians (excluding stroke), and the remaining three groups were from the stroke unit. Focus groups began with a video demonstrating dance-based movements, followed by semi-structured discussion guided by questions exploring perceived benefits, rehabilitation goals, and barriers to implementation. Sessions were recorded and transcribed via Zoom, cleaned, and de-identified. Two research assistants independently analyzed the transcripts using an iterative inductive thematic analysis.

Results:

Clinicians identified multiple benefits of incorporating dance-based movement into rehabilitation. In addition to offering a group-based modality to achieve functional goals, perceived benefits included improvements in balance, core stability, tolerance, functional mobility, visuospatial awareness, communication, and attention. We identified four overarching themes: (1) improved motivation and social engagement; (2) dance can be individualized to patient functioning; (3) multidisciplinary rehabilitation benefits; and (4) implementation barriers (space, dance experience, resources).

Conclusion:

Dance-based movement may offer a cohesive approach to supporting physical, cognitive, and community goals within clinical settings. Addressing implementation barriers will be essential for successful integration within rehabilitation settings. Subsequent research includes gathering the perspectives of individuals with ABI through patient focus groups and integrating both patient and clinician perspectives to co-design a dance-based movement program in an ABI setting.