B.A.I.L.A. — A Latin dance randomized controlled trial for older Spanish-speaking Latinos: Rationale, design, and methods

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) has documented health benefits, but older Latinos are less likely to engage in leisure time PA than older non-Latino whites. Dance holds promise as a culturally appropriate form of PA that challenges individuals physically and cognitively. This paper describes a randomized controlled trial that will test the efficacy of BAILAMOS©, a 4-month Latin dance program followed by a 4-month maintenance program, for improving lifestyle PA and health outcomes. Older adults (n = 332), aged 55+, Latino/Hispanic, Spanish speaking, with low PA levels, and at risk for disability will be randomized to one of two programs, a dance program or health education control group. BAILAMOS© is a 4-month program that meets two times per week for one hour per session. Dance sessions focus on instruction, including four styles of dance, and couples dancing. Bi-monthly “Fiestas de Baile” (dance parties) are also included, in which participants dance and practice what they have learned.. Monthly 1-hour discussion sessions utilize a Social Cognitive framework and focus on knowledge, social support, and self-efficacy to increase lifestyle PA. The health education control group will meet one time per week for two hours per session. Primary outcomes including PA changes and secondary outcomes including self-efficacy, physical function, cognitive function, and disability will be assessed at baseline, 4, and 8 months. It is hypothesized that PA, self-efficacy, physical function, cognitive function, and functional limitations and disability scores will be significantly better in the BAILAMOS© group at 4 and 8 months compared to the control group.

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Ethiopian traditional dance alter the health-related physical fitness traits of high school students

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Physical Activity and Positive Psychological Well-Being Attributes Among U.S. Latino Older Adults

“…However, less than 60% of older adults nationwide engaged in physical activity and strength training (HealthyPeople.gov, 2014). In particular, Latino older adults often lack a history of engaging in exercise, such as jogging or going to the gym to run on a treadmill or lift weights (Marquez et al, 2014). Regular physical activity has shown many benefi ts to improve health and decrease the risk for diseases, which ultimately reduces the incidence of morbidity and mortality (Ickes & Sharma, 2012).…”

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