Effect of a 10-Week Traditional Dance Program on Static and Dynamic Balance Control in Elderly Adults

Abstract

This preliminary study examined the effect of a 10-wk traditional Greek dance program on static and dynamic balance indices in healthy elderly adults. Twenty-six community-dwelling older adults were randomly assigned to either an intervention group who took supervised Greek traditional dance classes for 10 wk (1 hr, 2 sessions/week,n= 14), or a control group (n= 12). Balance was assessed pre- and postintervention by recording the center-of-pressure (COP) variations and trunk kinematics during performance of the Sharpened-Romberg test, 1-leg (OL) stance, and dynamic weight shifting (WS). After practice, the dance group significantly decreased COP displacement and trunk sway in OL stance. A significant increase in the range of trunk rotation was noted during performance of dynamic WS in the sagittal and frontal planes. These findings support the use of traditional dance as an effective means of physical activity for improving static and dynamic balance control in the elderly.

Physical Benefits of Dancing for Healthy Older Adults: A Review

“…Nine of the 15 training studies were categorized as being Level II (Eyigor et al, 2009;Federici et al, 2005;Hackney et al, 2007;Holmerová et al, personal communication;Hopkins et al, 1990;McKinley et al, 2008;Shigematsu et al, 2002;Sofianidis et al, 2009;Young, Weeks, & Beck, 2007), with the other six training studies being Level III-V (Engels et al, 1998;Jeon et al, 2005;Jeon et al, 2000;Kim et al, 2003;Kudlacek et al, 1997;Song et al, 2004). All three cross-sectional studies were categorized as being Level IV (Uusi-Rasi et al, 1999;Verghese, 2006;Zhang, Ishikawa-Takata, Yamazaki, Morita, & Ohta, 2008).…”

“…Although the Grade B evidence was based on only nine studies, the scientific rigor of these studies was generally high (Eyigor et al, 2009;Federici et al, 2005;Hackney et al, 2007;Holmerová et al, personal communication;Hopkins et al, 1990;McKinley et al, 2008;Shigematsu et al, 2002;Sofianidis et al, 2009;Young et al, 2007). With the exception of Shigematsu et al, who might have used some "questionable" tests to assess changes in the muscle endurance and strength of the older adults, the eight other studies all had clear inclusion/exclusion criteria and clearly described dance programs and used reliable and valid outcome measures.…”

“…• Aerobic power (Eyigor et al, 2009;Hopkins et al, 1990) • Muscle endurance of the lower extremities (Eyigor et al, 2009;Holmerová et al, personal communication;Hopkins et al;McKinley et al, 2008;Young et al, 2007) • Muscle strength of the lower extremities (Eyigor et al; McKinley et al) • Flexibility of the lower extremities (Holmerová et al, personal communication; Hopkins et al) • Static balance (Eyigor et al;Federici et al, 2005;Hackney et al, 2007;Hopkins et al;Shigematsu et al, 2002;Sofianidis et al, 2009;Young et al, 2007) • Dynamic balance and agility (Federici et al;Hopkins et al;McKinley et al;Shigematsu et al;Sofianidis et al;Young et al, 2007) • Gait speed (Eyigor et al; Hackney et al; McKinley et al) Grade C recommendations were as follows: A dance-based exercise program for older adults may…”

Review of Methods for the Evaluation of Human Body Balance

“…Sharpened Romberg test (Sofianidis, Hatzitaki, Douka, & Grouios, 2009), also known as the tandem stance test (Fitzgerald, 1996) was developed on the basis of Romberg test. In this case, a subject is asked to stand heel-to-toe (tandem position) with their arms crossed so that the open palm falls across the opposite shoulder.…”

Examining of the effects of aerobic dance and step dance exercises on some hematological parameters and blood lipids

“…Dance is a kind of physical activity generally advised for protecting dexterity, muscle tone, and coordination (Sofianidis, Hatzitaki, Douka & Grouios, 2009). "Aerobic dance" is called as a certain form of aerobic exercise.…”