The beneficial effects of square dance on musculoskeletal system in early postmenopausal Chinese women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background This study was set to investigate the correlation between square dance and musculoskeletal system of early postmenopausal Chinese women. Methods Chinese postmenopausal women, who had been without menstruation for 1–10 years from the onset of menopause were recruited from community centers for this study. A standardized structured face-to-face interview was performed to collect demographic information, life styles, personal medical history, diet and menstrual status. Subjects who had been practicing regular square dance without participated in other sports activities for more than 2 years and over 4 h per week (usually more than 45 min per time and more than 5 times per week) were assigned to square dance group. Those postmenopausal women who had not participated in regular exercises (no more than 0.5 h per week) were recruited as the sedentary control group. Bone mineral density (BMD) of spine, total hip and femoral neck was measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Lower limb muscle strength was measured for the non-dominant leg, body flexibility was measured by a simple trunk bend-and-reach test, and body balance was evaluated using a single-stance test for the non-dominant leg. Independent two-tailed Student’s t-test was used for data analysis. Results 152 subjects from community centers were selected for this study and divided into square dance group (n = 74) and control group (n = 78). The square dance subjects had higher lumbar spine BMD (p = 0.01) and total hip BMD (p = 0.02) than control subjects, but there was no significant difference of femoral neck BMD (p = 0.48) between these two groups. Functional testing indicated that square dance subjects had higher lower limb muscle strength (p < 0.01) and longer single-stance time (p = 0.02) than the control subjects, but there was no significant difference in trunk bend-and-reach (p = 0.12) between these two groups. Conclusion Our results show that postmenopausal Chinese women can get beneficial effects, like higher BMD, stronger lower limb muscle and improved body balance ability on musculoskeletal system by participating in square dance regularly.

Association between walking and square dancing-oriented leisure-time physical activity and cognitive function among middle-aged and elderly people in Southwest China

“…Most of our surveys began after the COVID-19 pandemic, so the number of people gathering for square dancing may have decreased. However, our preliminary findings suggested that square dancing, which was beneficial for the musculoskeletal system [ 30 ] and incorporated the pleasurable experience of social communication [ 31 ] and musical rhythm [ 32 ], may provide greater cognitive protection with less time spent exercising and thus could be regarded as a recommended method of LTPA for elderly individuals.…”

Evidence-based education to mitigate osteoporosis through diet and exercise

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“…Quattrini and colleagues state that “consumption of food groups typical of the Mediterranean diet, such as fruit, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, and fish, is essential for maintaining good bone health.” Celiac disease causes malabsorption of calcium, vitamin D, and other proteins and nutrients, which can lead to osteoporosis. Following a gluten-free diet that's rich in calcium and vitamin D can help maintain healthy bones 11…”

Socioecological factors influencing physical activity engagement for women across the menopausal transition: a systematic review

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“…High levels of physical activity have been associated with fewer depressive symptoms during menopausal transition, 12 which is important because women are more susceptible to the development of depression during this time 13 . In addition, physical activity helps improve bone mineral density, muscular strength, and body balance in postmenopausal women 14 . Exercise has also been shown to improve vascular health, 15 reduce arterial stiffness, 16 improve subjective well-being, 17 and quality of life 18 …”