Effects of dance on physical and psychological well-being in older persons.
This study was aimed at determining the effects of dancing on the health status of older persons. A pool of 111 community-dwelling subjects were allocated to either an intervention group (IG), which included 23 sessions of dance over 12 weeks, or a control group (CG). All participants were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks. Physical outcome measures included the 6-min timed walking test (6MWT), trunk flexibility, body composition, lower limb endurance and strength, balance, the timed up-and-go test (TUG), resting heart rate and blood pressure. Quality of life was assessed by the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire. The IG's views toward dancing were also evaluated at 12 weeks. Significant difference was observed between the groups in six outcome measures: mean change in resting heart rate, 6MWT, TUG, lower limb endurance and the 'general health' and 'bodily pain' domains of SF-36. The majority of the dance group felt the intervention improved their health status. These findings demonstrate that dancing has physical and psychological benefits, and should be promoted as a form of leisure activity for senior citizens.
Division of Geriatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 33 A Kung Kok Street, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong. huie@ha.org.hk
Elsie
E
Hui
Bo Tsan-keung
BT
Chui
Jean
J
Woo
D000368:Aged; D003615:Dancing; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires