Participant experience of Scottish Ballet’s online dance based long COVID support programme: A mixed methods study

<bold>Background:</bold> Long term physical and psychosocial impacts of COVID can be debilitating. Dance based interventions have been beneficial in other conditions. Scottish Ballet, people with long COVID and healthcare professionals, developed an online dance based long COVID support programme of weekly live sessions and online materials to promote wellbeing and self-management strategies. <bold>Methods:</bold> 13 participants (mean age 57yrs (38-77) and symptom duration 27months (17–35), 12 female, 7 White British, 10 English as first language), as well as 2 dance leaders were involved in the study. We conducted a mixed methods study using thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews, supplemented with structured observations and closed questions to understand how the programme was experienced and what impacts it was perceived to have had. <bold>Findings:</bold> We identified four themes 1. Improved experience of symptoms; 2. Increased confidence regarding movement and physical activity; 3. Feeling calm and refreshed; 4: Valuing time spent in a safe space. Facilitators of impact related to content, logistics, and delivery. Few barriers were described. Responses to closed questions demonstrated perceived physical and mental health improvements, the programme surpassed expectations, and participants would recommend the programme. Dance leaders’ responses aligned with those of programme participants. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Remotely delivered dance-based interventions for people with long COVID are acceptable to participants, who report that they are enjoyable and provide a range of health benefits. Further research to assess impact on clinically validated measures is required. <bold>Funding:</bold> Imperial College & Scottish Ballet