title: The effect of a traditional dance training program on dynamic balance of individuals with mental retardation.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a Greek traditional dance training program on the dynamic balance of individuals with mental retardation (MR). A total of 17 individuals participated in this study. Ten individuals with mild or moderate MR and 7 individuals with mild or moderate MR who studied in special schools were assigned to intervention (MR-I) and control (MR-C) groups, respectively. Pretraining and posttraining exercise tests were performed to determine the dynamic balance ability. Dynamic balance ability was measured by means of a balance deck (Lafayette, Lafayette, IN, USA) in 30-, 45-, and 60-second intervals. The MR-I group underwent a 16-week Greek traditional dance training program at a frequency of 3 times per week and for a duration of 45 minutes per season. Posttraining results showed that the individuals with MR in the MR-I group improved during treatment, from their baseline scores on dynamic balance measurements (30 seconds: p < 0.01, 45 seconds: p < 0.05, 60 seconds: p < 0.05). The MR-C group did not show any improvement between the 2 measurements. In conclusion, individuals with MR may be able to improve their dynamic balance when performing a systematic and well-designed Greek traditional dance training program.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Developmental Pediatrics and Special Education, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. tsimaras@phed.auth.gr
authors.forename: Vasileios K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Tsimaras
authors.forename: Genovefa A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Giamouridou
authors.forename: Dimitrios G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Kokaridas
authors.forename: Maria P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Sidiropoulou
authors.forename: Asterios I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Patsiaouras
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003614:Dance Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010806:Physical Education and Training / Q000379:methods; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology