Dance Exercise Program Research Articles

Dancing Exercise Enhances Metabolic Functions via Hypercortisolism-Mediated Inhibition of Inflammatory Cytokines in Healthy Adult Volunteers

Regular physical activity has been proven to improve metabolism, slow aging, and decrease the likelihood of various health conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders. Hence, dancing was evaluated for its effects on cardiovascular, liver enzymes, and biochemical markers among healthy adults. Forty (40) healthy adults (20-40 years old) were chosen for the study, with an average age calculated. Those with certain health conditions or habits were not allowed to participate. Twenty (20) men and 20 women were chosen for the study, which involved dancing for 15 minutes a day, five days a week, for four weeks. Pre- and post-dancing groups were compared to measure any changes. Results indicated positive effects on health and well-being. The two groups were compared to analyze changes to cardiovascular, liver enzymes, and lipid profiles over a 4-week dance intervention. Both groups received assessments before and after the program, with the initial assessment taking place at 0 weeks and a follow-up at 4 weeks. This study found that a 4-week period of dancing exercise improved cardiovascular and lipid profiles (p < 0.05) in both genders. These favorable impacts were reflected in lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, decreased total cholesterol and triglycerides, and lowered LDL with corresponding increases in HDL. This study found that participating in a tailored dance exercise program decreased glucose, insulin, and HOMA index levels compared to pre-exercise levels. Additionally, levels of ALT, AST, and GGT dropped considerably, while ALP and LDH also decreased. Kidney function, including aminotransferase, creatinine, and uric acid, was also reduced after 24 hours of post-dancing exercise. Twenty-four hours of Post-dancing exercise was found to decrease serum IL-6, CRP, and stress hormones (epinephrine and cortisol) levels as well as increased IL-10 levels in healthy adults (P < 0.05). Dancing could be demonstrated to be a practical non-medicinal approach to help prevent metabolic syndrome and reduce inflammation through increased cortisol production in healthy adults.

Feasibility, Safety, Enjoyment, and System Usability of Web-Based Aerobic Dance Exercise Program in Older Adults: Single-Arm Pilot Study

During the COVID-19 epidemic, opportunities for social interaction and physical activity among older people are decreasing, which may have a negative impact on their health. As a solution, a web-based group exercise program provided through a videoconferencing platform would be useful. As a web-based exercise program that older adults can easily, safely, and enjoyably perform at home, we developed a short-duration, light-intensity aerobic dance exercise program. Before studying the effectiveness of this exercise program, its characteristics, such as feasibility, safety, enjoyment, and system usability, should be examined among older adults. This pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility, safety, and enjoyment of a web-based aerobic dance exercise program and the usability of a web-based exercise delivery system using a videoconferencing platform for older adults. This study was designed as a prospective single-arm pilot study. A total of 16 older adults participated in an 8-week web-based aerobic dance program held every morning (8:30 AM to 8:50 AM) on weekdays at home. Retention and adherence rates were measured for the program's feasibility. Safety was assessed by the heart rate reserve, an index of exercise intensity calculated from heart rate, and the number of adverse events during exercise sessions. Enjoyment of this exercise program was assessed by an 11-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (not enjoyable at all) to 10 (extremely enjoyable) obtained through telephone interviews after the first-, third-, sixth-, and eighth-week intervention. For usability, the ease of the videoconferencing platform system was assessed through telephone interviews after the intervention. A female participant with hypertension dropped out in the second week because of the continuously reported high blood pressure (≥180 mmHg) before attending the exercise session in the first week. Therefore, the retention rate was 93.8% (15/16). Among the remaining participants, the median (IQR) overall adherence rate was 97.4% (94.7-100). Regarding safety, the mean (SD) heart rate reserve during the aerobic dance exercise was 29.8% (6.8%), showing that the exercise was relatively safe with very light to light intensity. There were no adverse events during the exercise session. The enjoyment score (0-10 points) significantly increased from the first (6.7 [1.7]) to sixth (8.2 [1.3]) and eighth week (8.5 [1.3]). Regarding usability, 11 participants reported difficulties at the beginning, such as basic touch panel operations and the use of unfamiliar applications; however, all got accustomed to it and subsequently reported no difficulty. This study showed high feasibility, enjoyment, and safety of the web-based aerobic dance exercise program in older adults, and the web-based exercise delivery system may have areas for improvement, albeit without serious problems. Our web-based aerobic dance exercise program may contribute to an increase in physical and social activities among older adults.

16주간 우리춤 운동 프로그램이 여성노인의 인지기능과 기능체력에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate how Woo-Ri dance exercise program affects the cognitive function and senior fitness in elderly women. The subjects of this study were 30 female senior citizens aged 65 or older in the metropolitan city of B, and were classified into two groups: the experimental group Woo-Ri dance exercise(n=15) and the control group(n=15). The experimental group was conducted three times a week for 16 weeks. The data were calculated using the SPSS(24.0) statistics program to calculate the mean value(M) and standard deviation(SD) for each variable. To investigate main effects and interaction effects, you performed a two-way iterative ANOVA and set the post-comparison with the significance level to less than 0.05. The result was a significant increase in the main effect(p<.001) of Woo-Ri dance exercise on changes in K-MMSE as a marker of cognitive functions, and in the case of controls, the main effect was significantly reduced and the interaction effect(p<.001). For six functional fitness tests, the main effects of Woo-Ri dance exercise(p<.01, p<.001) was shown respectively, and in the control group, the main effects(p<.05, p<.01, p<.001) The interaction effects (p<.001) with were shown. Based on the results of the study, Woo-Ri dance exercise improves muscle strength, flexibility, balance, agility, cardiopulmonary endurance, and cognitive function. Therefore, Woo-Ri dance exercise is considered to be a safe and effective exercise that does not strain our joints, and will use the lives of elderly women as a physical, mental and social healthy program.

Effects of Exercises on a Hard, Soft, and Sand Surface on Functional Outcomes of Community-Dwelling Older Individuals: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This single-blind, randomized controlled trial compared the effects of Thai dance exercise training on hard, soft, and sand surfaces on the functional outcomes of 120 community-dwelling older adults (40 subjects/group). The subjects were involved in a Thai dance exercise program on each surface, according to their groups, for 50min/day, 3 days/week, for 6 weeks. The functional outcomes were assessed prior to training, at Week 3, and Week 6 after training. Subjects showed a significant improvement in all functional tests at 3 and 6 weeks after training, particularly in those who were trained on a sand surface and a soft surface (7-30% improvement, p < .05). The improvement was especially demonstrated in the complex and demanding motor activities after exercise on a soft and sand surface. Aside from attempting to modify training programs on a hard surface, the current findings suggest an alternative and cost-effective program to promote the levels of independence and safety that can be applied easily in clinical, home-based, and community settings.

EFFECTS OF EXERCISE PROGRAM ON COORDINATION AND EXPLOSIVE POWER IN UNIVERSITY DANCE STUDENTS

The aim of this research is to determine the effects of a ten-week modern and recreational dance exercise program and trunk and leg muscle strengthening exercises on the coordination and explosive power of student-age female dancers. The total number of participants was 54, of which 27 made up the experimental group who participated in an experimental exercise program and 27 the control group. The experimental group performed Hip Hop and Dancehall dances and trunk and leg muscle strengthening exercises 3 times a week for 90 min each. The control group had no additional forms of exercise other than regular daily activities. The coordination of the participants was evaluated on the basis of six tests (Side Steps, 20 Steps forward Twirling a Baton, Skipping the Horizontal Jump Rope, Turning in 6 squares, Hand-Foot Drumming and Agility test with a Baton) and two tests for determining explosive power parameters (the squat jump and countermovement jump). Results showed statistical significance between the groups in 5 variables of coordination at the multivariate and univariate level (p&lt;.05, p&lt;.01), and in both variables of explosive power at the univariate level (p&lt;.05). A large and intermediate effect size of the experimental program was determined for 5 variables of coordination, and intermediate effect size for both variables of explosive power. The results of this study showed that a ten-week exercise program for recreational and modern dance and exercises for strengthening the muscles of the torso and legs have a positive effect on the changes in the parameters of coordination and explosive power in student-age female dancers.

Thai dance exercises benefited functional mobility and fall rates among community-dwelling older individuals.

Background:With dramatic increase in the number of older individuals, special efforts have been made to promote the levels of independence and reduce fall rates among these individuals.Objective:To investigate the effects of Thai dance exercises over 6 weeks on functional mobility and fall rates in community-dwelling older individuals.Methods:Sixty-one community-dwelling older adults were interviewed and assessed for their demographics and fall data during 6 months prior to participation in the study. Then they completed the quasi-experimental Thai dance exercise program for 50 minutes/day, 3 days/week over 6 weeks. Their functional mobility relating to levels of independence and safety were assessed prior to training, at 3-week and 6-week training. After completing the program at 6 weeks, participants were prospectively monitored for fall data over 6 months.Results:Participants improved their functional mobility significantly after 3- and 6-week training . The number of faller individuals obviously decreased from 35% prior to training to only 8% after training .Conclusion:The current findings further extend benefits of Thai dance as an alternative musical exercise program to promote levels of independence and safety among community-dwelling older adults.

Factors affecting dance exercise performance in students at a special needs school.

In Japan, dance exercise has been introduced as a compulsory element of health and physical education, but there is a considerable discrepancy in the levels of performance among students with intellectual disability (ID) at special needs schools. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the factors affecting the performance of dance exercise in students with ID. A 4 month dance exercise program was implemented for junior high school students at a special needs school, and the performance of 32 students at 22 sessions was assessed quantitatively according to calorie use during exercise and performance proficiency score. The measures were compared according to gender, age, body mass index, diagnosis, and development quotient (DQ) score. Performance in many students improved with repetition and reached the highest attainment level at around the third month. Male gender and older age had a significant positive impact on calorie use, whereas diagnosis of Down syndrome and higher DQ score had a significant positive impact on proficiency score. Four students with poor performance were all female students with autism. This study provides some possible explanations for differences in the levels of dance performance among students with ID.

A Feasibility Study of a Culturally and Gender-specific Dance to Promote Physical Activity for South Asian Immigrant Women in the Greater Toronto Area

BackgroundDespite ample evidence demonstrating the protective effect of physical activity, the uptake of regular physical activity among South Asian (SA) women remains relatively low. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility and health impacts of implementing a culture- and gender-specific physical activity among SA immigrant women residing in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada. MethodsA community-based mixed methods approach combining cohort pretest and posttest design and qualitative methods employing in depth interviews was used. Twenty-seven SA women from the GTA participated in a 6-week, 2 days per week, Bollywood Dance exercise program led by a female SA instructor. FindingsThe participation rate was considerably high (85%) and approximately 82% of the participants attended 10 or more of the classes offered. The participants' physical measurements (weight, waist and hip, and body mass index) decreased, although not significantly, over the 6-week period and there was an improvement in their physical, mental, and social health. During the face-to-face interviews, participants reported feeling less stressed and tired, being more mentally and physically robust, and having a sense of fulfillment and self-satisfaction. The only common criticism expressed was that the 6-week duration of the intervention was too short. ConclusionThe results showed that the Bollywood Dance was a feasible strategy in engaging SA immigrant women in physical activity. The key aspects when designing culture- and gender-specific dance interventions include community participation and active engagement in planning and implementation of the program, a supportive environment, same gender and culturally attuned dance instructor, easy access, and minimal to no cost.

The effect of Six Week Aerobic Dance Exercise Program on Body Composition

A sedentary lifestyle poses a serious threat to individual health. It can lead to an increase or progression in the risk of hypertension, obesity and muscle weakness. An increase in physical activity improves overall health of an individual. Aerobic dance moves has become gradually more popular fitness activity. In this set of moves are executed together to form the choreography of the class

Perceptions of a Videogame-Based Dance Exercise Program Among Individuals with Parkinson's Disease.

Physical therapy, including exercise, improves gait and quality of life in Parkinson's disease (PD). Many programs promoting physical activity have generated significant short-term gains, but adherence has been a problem. A recent evidence-based analysis of clinical trials using physical therapy in PD patients produced four key treatment recommendations: cognitive movement strategies, physical capacity, balance training, and cueing. We have attempted to incorporate all four of these features together through a dance exercise program using the dance videogame "Dance Dance Revolution" (DDR) (Konami Digital Entertainment, El Segundo, CA). Sixteen medically stable participants with mild to moderate PD were given the opportunity to try DDR with supervision by a research staff member. Feedback about the advantages and disadvantages of DDR as a form of physical activity was elicited through focus groups using the nominal group technique. Of 21 advantages and 17 disadvantages elicited, the most frequently cited advantages were "fun" and "easy to use," followed by "improves balance or coordination," "challenging," and "full body aerobic activity." Common concerns were the distracting or confusing interface, cost, and possible technical issues. Interactive dance exercise was appealing to participants with PD and may help promote adherence to physical activity. Concerns regarding familiarity with the technology may be addressed with simplification of the interface or additional training for participants. Results support a larger longitudinal study of DDR in PD.

Investigating the acute effect of an aerobic dance exercise program on neuro-cognitive function in the elderly

ObjectiveThe present study investigated the types of aerobic dance programs that positively impact cognition, such as executive function, in elderly people. DesignRandomized controlled trial. MethodThe study compared the effects of acute aerobic dance exercise on cognitive performance using two 40-min aerobic dance programs. Thirty-four elderly participants, aged 65–75 years, were randomly assigned into either free (N = 17) or combination (N = 17) style workout groups. The free style (FR) workout consisted of several patterns of movement, while the combination style (CB) workout consisted of similar patterns of movement to FR, but the patterns were joined to form a long choreographic routine. Both dance programs were controlled to be the same in exercise intensity, approximately 40% heart rate reserve. Reaction time and correct rates were measured using a task-switching reaction time test to evaluate executive cognitive performance immediately before and after the 40-min dance exercise. ResultsA two-way (dance program × pre-post dance exercise) repeated-measures analysis of variance for switch reaction time increase (switch cost) demonstrated a significant interaction (p = .006), showing that the switch cost in the CB group became smaller after the dance exercise than before (p = .009). ConclusionThe results suggest that the executive cognitive network was facilitated in a CB dance workout that has a dual-task nature and induces movement (task) interference with unexpected movement changes.

A Preliminary Exploration of the Effects of a 6-week Interactive Video Dance Exercise Program in an Adult Population

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 6-week interactive video dance game (IVDG) program on adult participants' cardiorespiratory status and body mass index (BMI). Twenty-seven healthy adult participants attended IVDG sessions over a 6-week period. Participants completed pre- and post-testing consisting of a submaximal VO(2) treadmill test, assessment of resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure (BP), BMI, and general health questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptives, paired t-tests to assess pre-to post-testing differences, and one-way ANOVAs to analyze variables among select groups of participants. Questionnaire data was manually coded and assessed. Twenty participants attended at least 75% of available sessions and were used in data analysis. Mean BMI decreased significantly (from 26.96 kg/m(2) to 26.21 kg/m(2); 2.87%) and cardiorespiratory fitness measured by peak VO(2) increased significantly (from 20.63 ml/kg/min to 21.69 ml/kg/min; 5.14%). Most participants reported that the IVDG program was a good workout, and that they were encouraged to continue or start an exercise routine. Forty percent reported improvements in sleep, and nearly half stated they had or were considering purchasing a home version of a video dance game. Interactive video dance game is an effective and enjoyable exercise program for adults who wish to decrease their BMI and improve components of cardiorespiratory fitness.

노인대상 12주간 균형능력 향상 운동이 계단 내리기 보행 시 주요 관절각 및 지면반력 변화에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of balance ability improvement exercise program which applied to the elderly people for increasing balance, stability and range of motion. Ten elderly people and ten university students were recruited as the subjects. Kinematic data were collected by seven real-time infrared cameras while subjects walk stair descent as a pre-test. Korean folk dance exercise program was applied to the elderly for 12 weeks. Same experiment on stair descent walk was performed as post-test. Results indicated that CM movement and selected joint angle patterns of elderly group after treatment changed to the similar patterns of young group. However, ankle joint angle and vertical GRF of elderly group after treatment also increased compared to those of the elderly group before treatment. This might be explained by the fact that elderly used a different walking strategy which maximize support base for increasing stability. Overall, these results indicated that the exercise treatment may affect to adapt and improve the gait pattern of stair descent of elderly people.

Effects of Dance Exercise on Exercise Intention and Exercise-related Affect of Postmenopausal Women

A dance exercise program was performed to investigate the effects of exercise on exercise intention and exercise-related affect as these are important determinants of exercise behavior. The subjects were overweight (23< or =BMI< or =25) or obese (BMI> or =25) postmenopausal women (n=14), who participated in an exercise program from May, 2003 through November, 2003 at one public health center located in Kyong-gi Province. Data was analyzed with an SAS PC program. Exercise intention was significantly increased after the exercise program (t=-2.24, P=0.04). Exercise-related affect was also increased, but there was no statistically significant change (t=1.81, P=0.09). This study suggests that exercise participation can increase the level of future exercise behavior by increasing exercise intention and exercise-related affect.

Dance-based exercise program in rheumatoid arthritis. Feasibility in individuals with American College of Rheumatology functional class III disease.

Many studies have demonstrated that aerobic exercise training is beneficial to prevent physical deconditioning in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without inducing adverse effects on individual's joints and general health. After significant results in individuals with RA (Functional Class I and II), the present study was conducted to demonstrate the feasibility of a modified dance-based exercise program to improve the physical fitness and psychological state of persons with RA (Class III). Ten (10) female subjects (mean age, 54 +/- 10 years) participated in an eight-week exercise program (twice weekly). Health status, use of medication, joint pain and swelling, cardiorespiratory fitness, activity of daily living, and psychological state were assessed before and after the training program. A high level of participation has been maintained by the participants (mean = 14.8/16 sessions). Most of them were able to perform a maximal exercise test on treadmill and reached 90% of the predicted heart rate at maximal exercise. No significant gain in aerobic power was observed for the group as a whole, but four subjects showed improvements of between 10% and 20% of their cardiorespiratory fitness. Positive changes in depression, anxiety, fatigue, and tension were observed after the eight-week exercise program. No deleterious effect on the health status was observed. These findings provide some evidences as to the feasibility of submitting individuals with RA to a modified dance-exercise program. Further studies, however, are required to determine the long-term effect of weight-bearing exercise on the health status of individuals with RA.

Self-Reported Factors Influencing Exercise Adherence In Overweight Women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intensity-controlled, graded dance exercise and selected components of behavior modification on exercise adherence in overweight middle-aged women. Thirty-eight moderately overweight women, aged 35 to 58, participated in a 16 1/2 week dance exercise program. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) that received intensity-controlled, graded exercise and individual and group reinforcement, or to a control group (n = 18) that exercised at a moderate intensity typical of commercial fitness classes and received no special reinforcement. Before exercise training began and at the completion of 16 1/2 weeks, a structured, open-ended interview was conducted. Ninety-four percent of the women in both groups adhered to the program, an exceptionally high adherence rate for this population. Eight participant-identified factors seemed to have influenced exercise adherence: group homogeneity, carpooling and social networks, pleasurable feelings associated with increased energy and fitness, leader with a health-related background, time limitation of exercise program, commitment to an established goal, desire to change body image, and desire to change health status and improve physical health.