Weight‐Loss Outcomes from a Pilot Study of African Dance in Older African Americans

Abstract

Objective: Obesity is a risk factor for both cognitive and physical impairment in late adulthood. Though the rates of obesity are high in many groups, older African Americans are disproportionately affected. Here, we conducted a randomized pilot intervention of African Dance with 28 African American older adults with obesity (Mean age = 68.4 ±5.1 years; Mean BMI = 33.4 ± 6.2). The goal of the study was to evaluate the physiological outcomes of a culturally sensitive exercise intervention, and specifically changes in weight. Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to an African Dance (experimental) or Culture Education (control) group. They attended their assigned class for 1-hour per session, 3 days per week, for 6 months. Results: There was a significant Group x Time interaction on weight (p = .005), such that the African Dance group lost weight (M = 4.0 ± 6.0 lbs.), while the Culture Education group gained weight (M = 2.6 ± 3.9 lbs.). Conclusions: These results suggest that a culturally-sensitive form of physical activity, African Dance, may be effective for promoting weight loss in a population at increased risk for obesity and cognitive decline.

Outcomes addressed in randomized controlled lifestyle intervention trials in community‐dwelling older people with (sarcopenic) obesity—An evidence map

“…Of 57,721 unique records, 109 articles of 54 studies were included in the evidence map as they provided information on outcomes assessed (Figure 1 and Table S4). 34–87 The unique accession numbers from all database searches are available upon request.…”

A Physical Activity Intervention in Older African Americans: The PAACE Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Several studies have sought to increase PA in older African Americans (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27). Two of these studies utilized pedometers to assess PA (16,18).…”

“…For example, a small study demonstrated that aerobic training has a blunted effect on insulin resistance in African American compared with non-Hispanic White adults (12), and another study showed that cardiorespiratory fitness improvements among African American women attenuate at a lower dose of exercise compared with non-Hispanic White women (13). Several studies have assessed the effect of a PA intervention specifically in older African Americans (14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27), and many resulted in increases in PA. Many of these studies can be strengthened by utilizing community-engaged methods and by incorporating device-assessed, compared with selfreported, PA.…”

Neurocognitive Performance of African Americans and Hispanic Adults in Relation to Diet and Physical Activity: A Literature Review

“…Statistically significant positive correlations were identified among physical activity, perceived health competence, duration of diabetes, and social well-being, indicating the potential of physical activity to decrease the risks associated with chronic illnesses, particularly in AA women [14]. Another study found that 6-month physical activity programs were effective in managing numerous physical and neurocognitive complaints in middle-aged and elderly patients [15].…”