Effects of dance on upper extremity activities in underserved adults.
OBJECTIVE
This secondary analysis examined the immediate and maintaining effects of a 12-week line-dancing intervention on upper and lower extremity activities in underserved adults who receive care from a nurse-managed clinic (NMC).


METHODS
This one-group, repeated measures, feasibility study consisted of 40 participants recruited from an urban apartment complex that housed a NMC. Of the 40 participants, 21 participants completed the 12-week line-dancing intervention. Physical function of the upper and lower extremities was measured with the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument at baseline, 12, and 18 weeks to determine the maintaining effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Age ranged from 45 to 87 years (M = 63; SD = 7.8), body mass index (BMI) was 33.4 (SD = 7.8), 92% were female, and 75% were African American. At baseline, participants showed limitations in all aspects of physical function. Significant improvements in upper and lower extremity activities were noted at 12 weeks and maintained at 18 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Although line-dancing mainly involves the lower body, there were significant improvements in upper extremity activities at 12 weeks, which were maintained at 18 weeks. The maintaining effects support line-dancing as an intervention to improve upper and lower extremity activities needed for independent living. NMCs are important settings for health promotion interventions in underserved adults.
Nursing Center for Community Health, College of Health Professions, School of Nursing, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio.
Carolyn J
CJ
Murrock
Nursing Center for Community Health, College of Health Professions, School of Nursing, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio.
Christine Heifner
CH
Graor
Nursing Center for Community Health, College of Health Professions, School of Nursing, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio.
Annette
A
Sues-Mitzel
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015444:Exercise; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D008875:Middle Aged; D009722:Nurse Practitioners; D009735:Nursing Homes; D009820:Ohio
Underserved; dance; exercise; health promotion; nurse-managed clinics