Effects of dance on depression, physical function, and disability in underserved adults.
This study documented the feasibility and immediate effects of a dance intervention two times per week for 12 weeks on depression, physical function, and disability in older, underserved adults. The one-group, pretest-posttest study had a convenience sample of 40 participants recruited from a federally subsidized apartment complex located in an economically depressed, inner-city neighborhood. Depression, physical function, and disability were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. Average age was 63 years (SD = 7.9), 92% were female, and 75% were African American. At baseline, participants reported increased depression (M = 20.0, SD = 12.4), decreased physical function (M = 56.6, SD = 10.9), and increased disability limitations (M = 65.7, SD = 14.9). At posttest, paired t tests showed that the dance intervention significantly decreased depression, t = 6.11, p < .001, and disability, t = -2.70, p = .014, and significantly increased physical function, t = -2.74, p = .013. The results indicate that the 12-week dance intervention may be an effective adjunct therapy to improve depression, disability, and physical function in underserved adults.
School of Nursing, University of Akron, Akron, OH.
Carolyn J
CJ
Murrock
Christine Heifner
CH
Graor
D003615:Dancing / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015146:Midwestern United States; D035862:Vulnerable Populations