MacKenzie Aubin, Jennifer Brunet

Women are disproportionately affected by stroke due, in part, to differences in social support and access to care. Women generally endure longer lasting and more severe effects from stroke than men. Beyond physical impairments, women face psychosocial challenges that hinder recovery and community reintegration, increase mortality risk, reduce quality of life, and impair cognitive and mental health after a stroke. Yet, women remain under-represented in stroke research, leaving critical gaps in rehabilitation strategies and equitable care that increase vulnerability to long-term care placement. Movement-based interventions, such as dance programs, offer promising holistic experiences for fostering social community (e.g., establishing peer support, promoting mutual aid) and improving health outcomes (e.g., physical function, cognitive performance, psychological wellbeing), thus enhancing recovery and quality of life. Such programs may appeal to women after a stroke as they are adaptable, engaging, and inclusive of all ages and abilities. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore: (1) how women perceive dance as supporting their cognitive, psychological, and social wellbeing after a stroke, and (2) their preferences for a future dance program, especially in terms of content and style. Approximately 15 women (>18 years) who had a stroke will complete a brief online questionnaire and then a semi-structured virtual interview. Questionnaire data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics. Audio-recorded interviews will be transcribed and analyzed via thematic analysis. Findings will inform the development of an accessible, engaging, user-driven dance program for women to support their recovery and overall wellbeing after a stroke.