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Metabolic DiseaseBfHNCT07768293

A Feasibility Trial of a Bhangra Folk Dance Intervention to Improve Metabolic Health in Older Indian Women in the UK

A study testing Bhangra for Health 1 and Bhangra Dance class in people with Metabolic Disease, run by University of Wolverhampton at 1 site in United Kingdom.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

You are invited to take part in a research project. Before you decide if you would like to take part, please read this information sheet carefully. You can also ask the lead researcher if you have any questions (please see contact details at the end of this sheet). Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 40 to 70 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Metabolic Disease
What is being tested?
Bhangra for Health 1 and Bhangra Dance class
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
99 participants
Where
1 siteUnited Kingdom
Study dates
5 Sep 2025to 20 Apr 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 40 to 70 years
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • a negative PAR-Q response, self-identification as South Asian, and ability to participate without high fall risk

Who cannot join

  • NHS patients currently undergoing treatment, unstable medical conditions or contraindications to exercise

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United Kingdom1 site
  • University of Wolverhampton

    Walsall, West Midlands, WS1 3BD

Other trials in United Kingdom

About this study

Official title: A Mixed-methods Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial of a Bhangra Folk Dance Intervention to Improve Metabolic Health in Older Indian Women in the UK

You are invited to take part in a research project. Before you decide if you would like to take part, please read this information sheet carefully. You can also ask the lead researcher if you have any questions (please see contact details at the end of this sheet).

Title of Project: Investigating the feasibility of a twelve week Bhangra dance intervention on metabolic health, physical function and mental well-being among 40-70 years old adults identifying as coming from the Indian diaspora:

Read more

What is the purpose of the research? To understand whether a twelve-week Bhangra dance course has a positive influence on your metabolic health, physical function and mental well-being. To understand your experiences with the dance classes? What will participation in the project involve? This 12-week course of Bhangra dance, run by qualified instructors, consists of two classes a week and is free for you. Classes will run on Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:30pm for 45 minutes in dance room on the second floor of the Performance Hub, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall Campus. First aiders are on site if there are any mishaps or you get into trouble. Ideally we would love it if you did every class but we understand that this is probably not achievable. Also we don't expect you to stop doing other exercise, these classes can be an added extra.

As this is a research project we would like to collect some health information from you before and after the course. This will require you to come in to the University (Walsall Campus) to complete some tests and questionnaires, we will contact you to arrange a suitable day and time. There is also an opportunity to be a part of a discuss group so you can feedback about how you find the classes and you they are affecting you.

Questionnaires: These measure your quality of life including your mental wellbeing (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale), your physical wellbeing (EQ-5D) and mental acuity (MMSE). You will also be asked every now and again to complete a short questionnaire on how you are feeling before and after a class (BRUMS).

Physical Health: Your blood pressure and body composition at the start and end of the course will be measured. The blood pressure uses an automatic machine that will be placed over your left upper arm. It will inflate and then slowly deflate. The body composition machine will require you to stand barefoot on some scales and hold onto a sensor with each hand. Two small blood samples (5ml) will be taken from your preferred arm by a trained phlebotomist. These will be used to measure a number of health markers including triglycerides, glucose and cholesterol.

Physical function: Your balance and muscle strength will be measured. The first uses the Y-balance test. You will be asked to stand at the centre of the Y on one leg and then reach with the opposite leg in the specified direction as far as possible, lightly touching the furthest point without losing balance. The strength test uses an isometric pull: you will stand on a platform with a chain attached to a bar. Holding onto the bar and keeping your arms straight participants will pull with your arms and push down with your legs as hard as possible for 3-5 seconds Why have I been invited to take part? You have been invited to take part in this study because you are between 40-70 years old and identify as coming from the Indian diaspora.

Do I have to take part? The decision to take part in the study is completely up to you and you can withdraw at any time without any consequences.

What will happen to the data I provide? Your data will be anonymised by providing you with a unique identifying code (UIC) and we will monitor how your data changes before and after the dance classes. Your personal data will be available to you at the end of the study What are the benefits and risks of taking part? There are minimum physical risks involved in partaking in a dance class but the use of qualified instructors will minimise this. The blood test may cause localised bruising around the area the sample is taken.

How will confidentiality be assured? Measures to ensure confidentiality include anonymization of data, your name and personal details will be substituted with a unique identity code. Only the Principal Investigator will have access to both. During the research, data will be stored in an encrypted file on the only device which belongs to the leading researcher. Afterwards, information linked to personal identity will be deleted and only the data related to the research will be preserved anonymously.

What will happen to the results of the research? If you volunteer for the project your results will also be used for to help inform future health interventions and the anonymous group data will also be used for conference presentation and journal publication(s).

Read the detailed description

Physical activities, such as dance, have long been utilised as a non-pharmacological method for promoting general health; dance is believed to be a safe, relaxed and moderate intensity form of physical activity . Dance as a common 'language' of human beings, exists worldwide with various genres in different cultures and countries. It has been used as a tool for healing and health throughout human history with an illustration of this being shamanic dance healing. Evidence regarding the effects of each physical activity mode on health promotion is mainly positive. For example, previous research found that participating in dance activity could produce physical, psychological and social benefits, and improve quality of life.

People from an Indian heritage have significant increased risks of chronic physical and mental diseases compared to the Caucasian population, but the population has a low exercise adherence with a number of perceived barriers some of which involve culture and sex.

This research will explore the feasibility of conducting a culturally appropriate dance intervention for female adults. Bhangra is an energetic folk dance and music form that originated from Punjab, India. Today, it is the newest dance, music, and fitness phenomenon spreading all over the world. Bhangra has made its way to America's Got Talent, the London Olympics, and even the White House. In examining feasibility, this project will also investigate the adherence and enjoyment rates of a 12-week dance intervention alongside changes in metabolic health, physical function and mental health. Participants' experiences of the sessions will be qualitatively examined in order to enhance future intervention delivery.

Being tested
Bhangra for Health 1, Bhangra Dance class
Keywords
Dancing, South Asian People, Metabolic Diseases, Cultural Competency, Randomized Controlled Trial
Medical subject headings
Metabolic Diseases

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Bhangra for Health 1Other

    Participants will carry out one 45-minute dance class a week for 12-weeks. All intervention workouts have warm-up, cooldown and stretch segments build in around the 'main component' of the class in 45 mins. The main component of the class is the exercise performed to the Bhangra tracks using specific moves to deliver the cardio and strength output(s). Therefore, the Bhangra music, moves and structure combined deliver the exercise outputs. Where a 'strength' segment is delivered towards the end of the class, this may consist of squats, lunges, boxing and/or abs to focus on specific areas of the body for additional health benefits.

    Interventions start off 'slow' - i.e. with easy-to-perform moves, broken down to their most basic form and progressed up through intensification of levels (1=basic, 2= mid and 3-higher level). Not only are the moves intensified in each class to provide intensity options, more tracks and Bhangra moves are added to increase complexity and challenge

  • Bhangra Dance classOther

    Participants will carry out two 45-minute dance classes a week for 12 weeks. All intervention workouts have warm-up, cooldown and stretch segments build in around the 'main component' of the class in 45 mins. The main component of the class is the exercise performed to the Bhangra tracks using specific moves to deliver the cardio and strength output(s). Therefore, the Bhangra music, moves and structure combined deliver the exercise outputs. Where a 'strength' segment is delivered towards the end of the class, this may consist of squats, lunges, boxing and/or abs to focus on specific areas of the body for additional health benefits.

    Interventions start off 'slow' - i.e. with easy-to-perform moves, broken down to their most basic form and progressed up through intensification of levels (1=basic, 2= mid and 3-higher level). Not only are the moves intensified in each class to provide intensity options, more tracks and Bhangra moves are added to increase complexity and challenge

Study groups in NCT07768293
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Bhangra for Health 1ExperimentalParticipants will carry one 45-minute Bhangra class per week. All intervention workouts have warm-up, cooldown and stretch segments build in around the 'main component' of the class in 45 mins. The main component of the class is the exercise performed to the Bhangra tracks using specific moves to deliver the cardio and strength output(s). Therefore, the Bhangra music, moves and structure combined deliver the exercise outputs. Where a 'strength' segment is delivered towards the end of the class, this may consist of squats, lunges, boxing and/or abs to focus on specific areas of the body for additional health benefits. Interventions start off 'slow' - i.e. with easy-to-perform moves, broken down to their most basic form and progressed up through intensification of levels (1=basic, 2= mid and 3-higher level). Not only are the moves intensified in each class to provide intensity options, more tracks and Bhangra moves are added to increase complexity and challenge
Receives: Other: Bhangra for Health 1
Bhangra for Health 2ExperimentalParticipants will carry two 45-minute Bhangra class per week. All intervention workouts have warm-up, cooldown and stretch segments build in around the 'main component' of the class in 45 mins. The main component of the class is the exercise performed to the Bhangra tracks using specific moves to deliver the cardio and strength output(s). Therefore, the Bhangra music, moves and structure combined deliver the exercise outputs. Where a 'strength' segment is delivered towards the end of the class, this may consist of squats, lunges, boxing and/or abs to focus on specific areas of the body for additional health benefits. Interventions start off 'slow' - i.e. with easy-to-perform moves, broken down to their most basic form and progressed up through intensification of levels (1=basic, 2= mid and 3-higher level). Not only are the moves intensified in each class to provide intensity options, more tracks and Bhangra moves are added to increase complexity and challenge
Receives: Other: Bhangra Dance class
Control groupNo interventionControl group. Asked to carry on their daily living activities as normal

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Intervention Feasibility

    Feasibility of intervention as monitored by participant adherence (number of sessions attended as a percentage 0-100%)

    Measured: From enrolment to end of intervention at 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes (10)
  1. Metabolic health (cholesterol)

    Exploratory assessment of changes in cholesterol (mmol.L) - decreased scores indicate improvement)

    Measured: From enrolment to end of intervention at 12-weeks

  2. Metabolic Health (HDL)

    Exploratory changes in HDL over the intervention period (mmol.L) - increased scores indicate improvement

    Measured: From enrolment to end of intervention at 12-weeks

  3. Metabolic Health (Glucose)

    Exploratory changes in glucose (mmol.L)- decreased scores indicate improvement

    Measured: From enrolment to end of intervention at 12-weeks

  4. Metabolic Health (TC/HDL ratio)

    Exploratory changes in the TC/HDL ratio - decreased ratio scores indicate improvement

    Measured: From enrolment to end of intervention at 12-weeks

  5. Metabolic Health (BMI)

    Exploratory assessment of changes in BMI (kg/m2) - decreased scores indicate improvement

    Measured: From enrolment to end of intervention at 12-weeks

  6. Perceived changes in Quality of life (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale)

    Exploratory assessment of changes in quality of life (WEMWBS) scores between 14-70. Increased scores indicate greater positive wellbeing

    Measured: From enrolment o end of intervention at 12-weeks

  7. Perceived changes in Quality of life (EQ-5D)

    Exploratory assessment of changes in quality of life (EQ-5D) Evaluated across levels of severity (5 levels ranging from no problems to extreme problems) that equate to a specific health state profile; and EQ VAS 0 (worst imaginable) to 100 (best imaginable)

    Measured: From enrolment o end of intervention at 12-weeks

  8. Physical performance (Leg strength)

    Exploratory assessment of changes in leg strength (kg) increased scores indicate improvement

    Measured: From enrolment to end of intervention at 12-weeks

  9. Physical Performance (Balance)

    Exploratory changes in Y-balance scores (cm) increased scores indicate improvement

    Measured: From enrolment to end of intervention at 12-weeks

  10. Acceptability of Intervention

    Participant experiences of the intervention via semi-structured interviews

    Measured: From enrolment o end of intervention at 12-weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted17 Aug 2026
  2. Study start5 Sep 2025
  3. Primary completion9 Apr 2026
  4. Study completion20 Apr 2026

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Other
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Mixed methods random controlled trial feasibility study: 2 intervention arms and control group
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
99 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07768293
Sponsor's protocol ID
DfH-Bhangra
Other IDs
10/19/AR/UOW
Acronym
BfH
Status last verified
Aug 2026
First submitted
23 Jul 2026
Last updated
17 Aug 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
Yes: The study complies with open science guidelines. All collected parameters will be shared via figshare. These included: sex, age, height, body mass, % body fat, muscle mass (kg), blood pressure, total cholesterol (Chol), high density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein ratio (TC/HDL) and glucose (Gluc), leg strength and balance. All data are anonymised and given a UIC

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Bhangra for Health 1 and Bhangra Dance class in people with Metabolic Disease, run by University of Wolverhampton at 1 site in United Kingdom.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 17 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United Kingdom. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Intervention Feasibility (time frame: From enrolment to end of intervention at 12 weeks). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 17 Aug 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.

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