Structured water dance intervention for adults with profound intellectual and multiple disability: Development and description of the method

People with profound intellectual and multiple disability (PIMD) have a combination of severe intellectual disability and extensive physical impairment, which limits their access to health-promoting enjoyable activities, such as dance. For people with PIMD to participate in dance, there is a need for adjustments and support. Thus, to bring dance and music into their everyday life, the Structured Water Dance Intervention (SWAN) was developed in Sweden. This paper aims to describe the development and methodology of SWAN. SWAN was developed from a holistic view on human existence adhering to a bio-psycho-social perspective. Hence, the key components of SWAN are experience of dance and music, adapted movements, stimulation of the senses, and interaction. In SWAN, the person with PIMD participates in the program in a warm water pool under the guidance of two instructors and in close collaboration with a support person who acts as a dance partner. We conclude that SWAN provides a meaningful activity with the potential to increase wellbeing for individuals with PIMD.