title: The effect of ballroom dance on balance and functional autonomy among the isolated elderly.
abstract: The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of a ballroom dancing program on the functional autonomy and physical balance of institutionalized elderly individuals. The study enrolled 75 sedentary elderly subjects from long-term institutions who were randomly divided into a ballroom dance program group (EG; n=39) and a control group (CG; n=36). The protocol of the Latin American Group for Maturity (GDLAM) was used to evaluate functional autonomy. Physical balance was analyzed using a stabilometer and posture meter platforms. The level of significance in statistical tests was set at p<0.05. Regarding the physical balance evaluation, only the members of the EG achieved a significant reduction in weight (Δ=-0.98 kg) following the experiment, both in the intragroup (p=0.002) and in the intergroup analysis (p=0.012). In the evaluation of functional autonomy, only the EG showed a significant reduction in the execution time of all the tests and in the GDLAM index: GI (Δ=-6.99), both in the intragroup (p<0.001) and in the intergroup analysis (p=0.011). Thus, it can be inferred that sedentary elderly individuals who are residents of long-term institutions can improve their functional autonomy and balance with a ballroom dance program.
authors.affiliation: Stricto Sensu Post-Graduation Program in Human Motricity Sciences of Castelo Branco University, Salvador Allende Av., n. 6 700, Recreio, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22780-160, Brazil. elianegsborges@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Eliane Gomes da Silva
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Borges
authors.forename: Samária Ali
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Cader
authors.forename: Rodrigo Gomes de Souza
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Vale
authors.forename: Thales Henrique Pires
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.forename: Mauro Cezar de Gurgel de Alencar
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Carvalho
authors.forename: Francisco Miguel
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: Estélio H M
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Dantas
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003614:Dance Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D004856:Postural Balance; D012934:Social Isolation