Tanz mit - dance along: psychological and physiological impact of physical activity promotion events for underserved groups in an urban setting

Abstract Background Physical inactivity is a prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Physical activity promotion for CVD prevention requires a multifactorial approach, including accessible and inclusive initiatives for underserved groups. "Tanz mit!" is a project delivering free and inclusive "dance along" events to promote physical activity among underserved groups in an urban setting in Austria. Purpose To evaluate the impact of "dance along" events on participants’ stress, mood, perceived exertion and heart rate (HR). Methods In summer and autumn of 2025, we delivered 22 free "dance along" events in public spaces in an urban setting in Austria (figure 1). At each event, professional choreographers led three half-hour dance sessions with 15-minute breaks between dance sessions. Residents and passers-by were invited to join without requiring pre-registration. Free childcare was provided, enabling carers of small children to participate in the dance. The choreographers flexibly adapted the difficulty and intensity of the dance according to the ability of participating members of the public. Out of 384 individuals who joined the dance, 165 agreed to complete pre- and post-dance questionnaires (EQ-VAS for health-related quality of life, Visual Analogue Scales for mood and stress, Modified Borg Scale for rate of perceived exertion) and continuous HR measurements (Polar Verity Sense) during the dance event. Data were analysed descriptively and by pairwise comparison (Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, standardised effect size by matched rank biserial correlation). Results Seventy-two percent of 165 study participants were female. Fifteen percent were in age group 15-29 years, 32% in age group 30-44 years, 18% in age group 45-59 years, 22% in age group 60-74 years, and 10% in age group 75+ years. The median health-related quality of life of the sample according to EQ-VAS was 80 (range 20-100, lower quartile 70, upper quartile 90). Study participants’ stress ratings before and after joining the dance decreased from mean 29 (SD 28) out of 100 to 16 (SD 19, p < .001, effect size 0.505). Mood ratings before and after the dance improved from mean 80 (SD 21) out of 100 to 89 (SD 15, p < .001, effect size 0.725). After the dance, the median perceived exertion on the Modified Borg Scale was 2.5 (range 0-10, lower quartile 1, upper quartile 5). The median wear-time of the HR sensor during the event was 42 minutes, including breaks between dance sessions. Study participants’ median HR ranged from 69 to 153. The percentage of time the sample spent in different HR zones is shown in figure 2. Conclusion Participation in the "dance along" events had a positive impact on stress and mood. Perceived exertion and HR measurements indicate a potential cardiovascular training stimulus at light and moderate intensity that such public physical activity promotion events can provide to underserved groups.