Influence of Dance Programmes on Gait Parameters and Physical Parameters of the Lower Body in Older People: A Systematic Review

Bárbara Rodríguez,Federico Paris-Garcia

doi:10.3390/ijerph19031547

Bárbara Rodríguez, Federico Paris-Garcia

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031547

Copy DOI

Abstract

(1) Background: The regular practice of dancing benefits the physical condition, improving quality of life and minimising the adverse effects of ageing. Therefore, this review aims to evaluate the impact of dance programmes by quantifying different physical parameters of the lower body in older adults. (2) Methods: A systematic qualitative review in the English language (PubMed, Scopus, OvidSP, Cochrane and PEDro database) until mid-2020 considering the PRISMA guidelines and the PEDro quality criteria considering the following parameters of gait: stride length and width, speed. Physical parameters: flexion and dorsiflexion joint, muscle strength and range of motion were carried out. (3) Results: 9 studies with a population of 544 subjects from 5 continents and 6 types of dances were taken into account. The improvement of some parameters over others depended on the type of dance and the movements generated, having moderate positive effects on strength, agility, mobility and balance. (4) Conclusions: there is a general improvement in the functional capacity of the elderly through the practice of ballroom dancing, with specific improvement of each parameter depending on the type of dance.

Highlights

According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), this year (2021), 19.77% of the Spanish population are over 64 years of age [1]
The purpose of this study is to carry out an updated qualitative systematic review based on the PRISMA guidelines (Supplement S1) [25], taking into account the PEDro quality criteria to analyse the effect of different dance programmes on physical and mechanical parameters of the lower body linked to gait [26]
After an exhaustive review of the different dance programmes and their relationship with the different physical parameters linked to the lower body and gait parameters, the suitability of this scope to improve the functional capacity of this population can be established

Summary

Introduction

The dependency rate of those over 64 years of age has increased from 24.89% in 2010 to 30.46% in 2021, the latter being the highest figure in the country’s history [2]. Human ageing is a natural and gradual process in which functional, neurochemical, morphological and psychological changes occur, resulting in a loss of functional capacity of the individual [4] During this involutional process, strength, muscle mass, flexibility and coordination decrease. There is a progressive visual loss and deficiencies in visual and spatial skills and decreased mobility and postural balance, affecting executive functions among other capacities [4,5] For this reason, the physical performance and vitality of the elderly are declining, increasing their dependency and vulnerability [5–7]

Objectives

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion