J Shanahan1, L Coman2, F Ryan2, J Saunders3, K O'Sullivan2, O Ni Bhriain4, A M Clifford2. 1. Department of Clinical Therapies, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Co. Limerick, Ireland. Electronic address: joanne.s@outlook.com. 2. Department of Clinical Therapies, Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Co. Limerick, Ireland. 3. Statistical Consulting Unit/CSTAR @UL, Department of Maths and Statistics, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. 4. Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, Department of Arts Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Limerick, Co. Limerick, Ireland.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine if older adults regularly participating in Irish set dancing have superior balance, physical fitness and quality of life compared to age-matched controls. STUDY DESIGN: This study used a community-based, observational cross-sectional design. METHODS: Regular set dancers (n = 39) and age-matched controls (n = 33) were recruited. Participants were assessed using the physical activity scale for the elderly (physical activity levels), mini-BESTest (balance) and senior fitness test (battery of functional fitness tests). Quality of life was also assessed using the EuroQol EQ visual analogue scale. RESULTS: When controlling for between-group differences in levels of physical activity (ANCOVA analysis), the dancers had significantly better balance, functional capacity and quality of life (all P < 0.05) compared to controls. No differences between the groups were observed in other measures of functional fitness. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest regular participation in set dancing is associated with health benefits for older adults. These results may inform future studies prospectively examining the role of set dancing for falls prevention, emotional well-being and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. Copyright Â
OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine if older adults regularly participating in Irish set dancing have superior balance, physical fitness and quality of life compared to age-matched controls. STUDY DESIGN: This study used a community-based, observational cross-sectional design. METHODS: Regular set dancers (n = 39) and age-matched controls (n = 33) were recruited. Participants were assessed using the physical activity scale for the elderly (physical activity levels), mini-BESTest (balance) and senior fitness test (battery of functional fitness tests). Quality of life was also assessed using the EuroQol EQ visual analogue scale. RESULTS: When controlling for between-group differences in levels of physical activity (ANCOVA analysis), the dancers had significantly better balance, functional capacity and quality of life (all P < 0.05) compared to controls. No differences between the groups were observed in other measures of functional fitness. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest regular participation in set dancing is associated with health benefits for older adults. These results may inform future studies prospectively examining the role of set dancing for falls prevention, emotional well-being and cognitive function in community-dwelling older adults. Copyright Â
Authors: Roberta Bevilacqua; Marco Benadduci; Anna Rita Bonfigli; Giovanni Renato Riccardi; Giovanni Melone; Angela La Forgia; Nicola Macchiarulo; Luca Rossetti; Mauro Marzorati; Giovanna Rizzo; Pierpaolo Di Bitonto; Ada Potenza; Laura Fiorini; Federica Gabriella Cortellessa Loizzo; Carlo La Viola; Filippo Cavallo; Alessandro Leone; Gabriele Rescio; Andrea Caroppo; Andrea Manni; Amedeo Cesta; Gabriella Cortellessa; Francesca Fracasso; Andrea Orlandini; Alessandro Umbrico; Lorena Rossi; Elvira Maranesi Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2021-12-21