Author: Bennett CG1, Hackney ME2,3
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>a School of Nursing , University of West Florida , Pensacola , USA.
<sup>2</sup>b Atlanta VA Medical Center, Center for Visual & Neurocognitive Rehabilitation , Atlanta , USA.
<sup>3</sup>c Department of Medicine , Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Emory University School of Medicine , Atlanta , USA.
Conference/Journal: Disabil Rehabil.
Date published: 2018 Jun
Other:
Volume ID: 40 , Issue ID: 11 , Pages: 1259-1265 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1294207. Epub 2017 Feb 25. , Word Count: 265
INTRODUCTION: Older adults with mobility limitations are at greater risk for aging-related declines in physical function. Line dancing is a popular form of exercise that can be modified, and is thus feasible for older adults with mobility limitations.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of 8 weeks of line dancing on balance, muscle strength, lower extremity function, endurance, gait speed, and perceived mobility limitations.
METHODS: An experimental design randomly assigned older adults to either an 8-week line dancing or usual care group. The convenience sample consisted of 23 participants with mobility limitations (age range: 65-93 years). The intervention used simple routines from novice line dance classes. At baseline and at 8 weeks, balance, knee muscle strength, lower extremity function, endurance, gait speed, and mobility limitations were measured. ANCOVA tests were conducted on each dependent variable to assess the effects of the intervention over time.
RESULTS: Results found significant positive differences for the intervention group in lower extremity function (p < 0.01); endurance (p < 0.01); gait speed (p < 0.001); and self-reported mobility limitations (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: Eight weeks of line dancing significantly improved physical function and reduced self-reported mobility limitations in these individuals. Line dancing could be recommended by clinicians as a potential adjunct therapy that addresses mobility limitations. Implications for Rehabilitation Line dancing may be an alternative exercise for older adults who need modifications due to mobility limitations. Line dancing incorporates cognitive and motor control. Line dancing can be performed alone or in a group setting. Dancing improves balance which can reduce risk of falls.
KEYWORDS: Exercise; dance; endurance; gait; muscle strength
PMID: 28485643 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1294207