Dance Intervention Research Articles

Pilot testing of a simplified dance intervention for cardiorespiratory fitness and blood lipids in obese older women

IntroductionDance interventions require long learning periods and exert high joint loading. Therefore, a simple dance intervention is required. AimsTo examine the effects of simplified dance on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood lipid levels in obese older women. MethodTwenty-six obese older women were randomly assigned to exercise and control groups. The dance exercise involved pelvic tilt and rotation with basic breathing techniques. Anthropometry, cardiorespiratory fitness, and blood lipid levels were measured at baseline and after the 12-week training. ResultsThe exercise group had lower total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and improved VO2max after the 12-week training than at baseline; however, no significant difference was observed for the control group. Additionally, the exercise group had lower triglycerides and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol than the control group. ConclusionsSimplified dance interventions have the potential to improve blood composition and aerobic fitness in obese older women.

Effect of Partnered Dance Intervention on Upper Extremity Outcomes for Breast Cancer Survivors With CIPN

Effect of Partnered Dance Intervention on Upper Extremity Outcomes for Breast Cancer Survivors With CIPN

“My Body, My Rhythm, My Voice”: a community dance pilot intervention engaging breast cancer survivors in physical activity in a middle-income country

BackgroundInterventions to promote physical activity among women breast cancer survivors (BCS) in low- to middle-income countries are limited. We assessed the acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of a theory-driven, group-based dance intervention for BCS delivered in Bogotá, Colombia.MethodsWe conducted a quasi-experimental study employing a mixed-methods approach to assess the 8-week, 3 times/week group dance intervention. The effect of the intervention on participants’ physical activity levels (measured by accelerometry), motivation to engage in physical activity, and quality of life were evaluated using generalized estimating equation analysis. The qualitative method included semi-structured interviews thematically analyzed to evaluate program acceptability.ResultsSixty-four BCS were allocated to the intervention (n = 31) or the control groups (n = 33). In the intervention arm, 84% attended ≥ 60% of sessions. We found increases on average minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per day (intervention: +8.99 vs control: −3.7 min), and in ratings of motivation (intervention change score = 0.45, vs. control change score= −0.05). BCS reported improvements in perceived behavioral capabilities to be active, captured through the interviews.ConclusionsThe high attendance, behavioral changes, and successful delivery indicate the potential effectiveness, feasibility, and scalability of the intervention for BCS in Colombia.Trial registrationClinicalTrial.gov NCT05252780, registered on Dec 7th, 2021—retrospectively registered unique protocol ID: P20CA217199-9492018.

Music, movement and mood in Parkinson’s: A transdisciplinary study to develop a new protocol to measure functional mobility in people with Parkinson’s by integrating motion capture with a pressure sensitive gait mat

Background
 Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder associated with early-onset functional motor impairments (Rana et al., 2012). There are several assessment scales for the evaluation of PD, but many motor measurement protocols lack reference to the qualitative assessment of functional mobility in everyday life (Opara et al., 2017). Moreover, previous studies have shown that pharmaceutical treatments in combination with physical therapy play an important role in improving motor symptoms, but the benefits do not seem to extend to mental well-being (Fox et al., 2018). Growing evidence suggest that an interdisciplinary approach by integrating musical activity with exercises may have the potential to improve both functional mobility and psychological wellbeing (Barnish & Barran, 2020).
 Methods
 The first phase of this mixed methods study includes a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) consultation process (workshops and interviews; Rose et al., 2022) to develop a context-appropriate new group-based intervention program for and with PwP and health professionals. The focus will lie on music activity and the use music imagery to develop individual jukeboxes of musical cues to combat motor symptoms such as rigidity and freeze of gait. To evaluate the efficacy and the generalisability of the program, a 12-week within-subject repeated measures controlled trial will be conducted in Switzerland and the UK. An accurate and reliable quantitative measurement protocol will be developed to enable assessment of disease progression, and evaluation of interventions alongside qualitative observations of mobility in PwP. Moreover, we aim to provide fine-grained assessment of clinical measures (such as the Timed Up and Go) using an integrated motion capture (MoCap) and gait mat analysis system.
 Expected Outcomes and Perspectives
 This project lays the foundation for the development of non-pharmaceutical and low-cost intervention programs. Our PPI approach will provide better individualised and targeted prevention strategies to counteract the increasing financial and personal burden of PD worldwide. A unique aspect of the study is to develop a new quantitative functional mobility measurement protocol to assess PwP over time. This research approach will contribute to our understanding of functional mobility symptoms and the use of music in PD to reduce symptom severity and improve quality of life.
 References
 Barnish, M. S., & Barran, S. M. (2020). A systematic review of active group-based dance, singing, music therapy and theatrical interventions for quality of life, functional communication, speech, motor function and cognitive status in people with Parkinson’s disease. BMC Neurology, 20(1), Article 371. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-020-01938-3
 Fox, S. H., Katzenschlager, R., Lim, S. Y., Barton, B., de Bie, R. M. A., Seppi, K., Coelho, M., & Sampaio, C. (2018). International Parkinson and movement disorder society evidence-based medicine review: Update on treatments for the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders, 33(8),1248-1266. https://doi.org/10.1002/mds.27372
 Opara, J., Małecki, A., Małecka, E., & Socha, T. (2017). Motor assessment in Parkinson’s disease. Annals of Agricultural and Environment Medicine, 24(3), 411-415. https://doi.org/10.5604/12321966.1232774
 Rana, A. Q., Siddiqui, I., & Yousuf, M. S. (2012). Challenges in diagnosis of young onset Parkinson’s disease. Journal of the Neurological Sciences, 323(1-2), 113-116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2012.08.029
 Rose, D. C., Poliakoff, E., Hadley, R., Guérin, S. M. R., Phillips, M., & Young, W. R. (2022) Levelling the playing field: The role of workshops to explore how people with Parkinson’s use music for mood and movement management as part of a patient and public involvement strategy. Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences, 3, Article 873216. https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2022.873216

Effects of Popping For Parkinson’s dance class on the mood of people with Parkinson’s disease

Background/Aims Depression, low mood and apathy can affect people with Parkinson’s disease, impacting on their quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of one Popping For Parkinson’s dance session on the mood of people with Parkinson’s disease. Methods A total of 33 people with Parkinson’s disease, with a mean age of 67.5 years (standard deviation 10.3 years), mean Parkinson’s level of 1.8 (standard deviation 1.6), took part in one Popping For Parkinson's dance class at four different locations: London (UK), Hatfield (UK), New York City (USA) and Turin (Italy). Participants’ mood was measured with the Profile of Mood States questionnaire at four time points: immediately before the dance class, immediately after the dance class, 24 hours after the dance class and 1 week after the dance class. Results Participants’ total mood score and the subscale score of vigour increased, while the subscales of tension, depression, and confusion decreased on the Profile of Mood States, significantly immediately after the dance intervention. However, at 24 hours and 1 week after the dance class, mood scores did not differ significantly compared with baseline measurements. The improvements in mood immediately after the dance class did not differ depending on sex, age, previous dance experience, the location of the dance class, stage of Parkinson’s disease, presence of tremor and deep brain stimulation treatment. Conclusions Participating in a Popping For Parkinson’s dance class boosts mood in the short term, and this improvement lasts less than 24 hours. This finding has implications for the provision of dance classes, suggesting that regular attendance may be necessary for sustained improvements. Further studies are needed to determine whether attending a series of Popping for Parkinson’s classes may have longer-term effects.

Abstract TP68: Experiences Of Community-dwelling Stroke Survivors With A Virtual Multidisciplinary Stroke Clinic During The Covid Pandemic

Background: Past research has supported the benefits of dance in improving balancing and walking ability in people with neurological conditions. More evidence on stroke survivors’ satisfaction and perceived benefits of dance interventions on their recovery is needed. Purpose: This study explored the experiences of participating in a virtual ballet-adapted dance intervention among people with lower limb paresis after a stroke. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with a convenience sample of stroke survivors with unilateral paresis recruited from a support group. The participants attended a virtual dance intervention and learned to perform simple ballet-adapted moves in a sitting or standing position. They then danced together in a group with a Cantopop song of the 80’s. The ballet-adapted moves were designed to improve survivors’ range of motion and control of the joints at ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows. The participants were interviewed individually after the group dance about their satisfaction with the dance experience. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results: Fourteen stroke survivors (mean age=62.79 years, SD=9.35) were recruited. Nine of them (64%) walked with a stick. The mean duration after stroke was 10.64 year (SD=8.71). The survivors agreed that the ballet-adapted moves could be performed safely at home, and it was particularly helpful during the coronavirus pandemic to engage them in physical activities. They appreciated the integration of familiar songs in the dance and the group dance experience, which was interesting, easier to memorise the steps, and offered them opportunities to meet people. The experience of mastering new dance moves and working towards a group goal conveyed a sense of accomplishment after stroke. No adverse events were reported during and after the dance. Conclusion: The stroke survivors were satisfied with the virtual ballet-adapted dance intervention. Further studies to investigate the effects of the intervention on improving survivors’ physical and psychosocial outcomes are needed.

Dance on: a mixed-method study into the feasibility and effectiveness of a dance programme to increase physical activity levels and wellbeing in adults and older adults

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) has beneficial effects on physical and mental health outcomes in older adults. However, a consistent decline in PA participation has been noted with increasing age, with older adults consistently being reported as the least physically active population. Previous evidence showed that dance is an appropriate form of PA in older adults as it integrates the body’s movement with physical, cognitive, and social elements. This study investigated the feasibility and efficacy of a weekly dance programme over a 12-month period on PA levels and wellbeing.MethodsA mixed-method intervention design was used. Community-dwelling older adults aged 55 + years were recruited from local community groups in Yorkshire (UK). The programme comprised of a 60-min mixed genre dance class per week. Changes with carried forward data in self-reported measures of PA (min/week) and wellbeing with EuroQol visual analogue scale (EQ VAS) across four different time points (baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months) were assessed using the Friedman test. Feasibility was also assessed through class attendance and focus groups (N = 6–9) with participants. A thematic analysis of qualitative data was conducted.ResultsA total of 685 participants (589–89.1% females and 72–10.9% males) took part in the study. The mean age was 75 ± 10 years, and 38% of the participants were classed as highly deprived as per the index of multiple deprivation. There was a statistically significant increase in both PA (X2(3) = 192.42, P < 0.001) and EQ VAS scores across the four time points (X2(3) = 19.66, P < 0.001). The mean adherence rate was consistent across the 12-month period of intervention (70%). Themes from the focus groups included reasons for participating in the programme, perceptions of how the dance programme affected the participants, and facilitators to participation in the programme.ConclusionsThe good adherence and favourability indicate that the dance programme is feasible as an intervention in community-dwelling participants from socially economically diverse communities. The dance intervention showed a positive effect on PA levels and wellbeing. A randomised-controlled trial with a control group is required to test this intervention further.

IMOVE: Protocol for a randomized, controlled 2x2 factorial trial of improvisational movement and social engagement interventions in older adults with early Alzheimer's disease

BackgroundIn addition to cognitive impairment, people with Alzheimer's disease (PWAD) experience neuropsychiatric symptoms (e.g., apathy, depression), altered gait, and poor balance that further diminish their quality of life (QoL). Here, we describe a unique, randomized, controlled trial to test the hypothesis that both movement and social engagement aspects of a group dance intervention alter the connectivity of key brain networks involved in motor and social-emotional functioning and lead to improved QoL in PWAD. MethodsIMOVE (NCT03333837) was a single-center, randomized, controlled 2x2 factorial trial that assigned PWAD/caregiver dyads to one of 4 study conditions (Movement Group, Movement Alone, Social Group, or Usual Care control). The Movement Group participated in twice-weekly group improvisational dance (IMPROVment® Method) classes for 12 weeks. The Movement Alone intervention captured the same dance movement and auditory stimuli as the group class without social interaction, and the Social Group used improvisational party games to recapitulate the fun and playfulness of the Movement Group without the movement. The primary outcome was change in QoL among PWAD. Key secondary outcomes were functional brain network measures assessed using graph-theory analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, as well as neuropsychiatric symptoms, gait, and balance. ResultsA total of 111 dyads were randomized; 89 completed the study, despite interruption and modification of the protocol due to COVID-19 restrictions (see companion paper by Fanning et al.). The data are being analyzed and will be submitted for publication in 2023.

Effects of dance on gait and dual-task gait in Parkinson's disease.

Gait impairments in Parkinson's disease (PD) limit independence and quality of life. While dance-based interventions could improve gait, further studies are needed to determine if the benefits generalise to different terrains and when dual-tasking. The aim was to assess the effects of a dance intervention, based on the Dance for PD® (DfPD®) program, on gait under different dual-tasks (verbal fluency, serial subtraction) and surfaces (even, uneven), and to determine if a larger scale follow-up RCT is warranted. A dance group (DG; n = 17; age = 65.8 ± 11.7 years) and a control group (CG: n = 16; age = 67.0 ± 7.7 years) comprised of non-cognitively impaired (Addenbrooke's score: DG = 93.2 ± 3.6, CG = 92.6 ± 4.3) independently locomoting people with PD (Hoehn & Yahr I-III). The DG undertook a one-hour DfPD®-based class, twice weekly for 12 weeks. The CG had treatment as usual. The spatiotemporal variables of gait were assessed at baseline and post-intervention while walking on two surfaces (even, uneven) under three conditions: regular walking; dual-task: verbal-fluency (DTVERB), and serial-subtraction (DTSUBT). The data were analysed by means of a linear mixed model. At baseline, there was no significant group difference for any spatiotemporal gait variable. The DG improved significantly compared to the CG with and without a dual task when walking on even surface. During regular walking, DG improved in gait velocity (p = 0.017), cadence (p = 0.039), step length (p = 0.040) and stride length (p = 0.041). During DTVERB significant improvements were noted in gait velocity (p = 0.035), cadence (p = 0.034) and step length (p = 0.039). The DG also exhibited significant improvement compared to the CG during DTSUBT in the measures of gait velocity (p = 0.012), cadence (p = 0.021), step length (p = 0.018), and stride length (p = 0.151). On the uneven surface, improvements were noted when walking while performing serial subtractions only. During regular walking, improvements were noted for the CG but not for the DG. CG has spent less time in double support following the intervention than DG. While DTVERB condition had no significant group differences for any gait parameter (p's >0.05), in the DTSUBT condition, the DG improved significantly compared to the controls on gait velocity (p = 0.048), cadence (p = 0.026), and step length (p = 0.051). DfPD®-based classes produced clinically significant improvement in spatiotemporal gait parameters under dual-task conditions and on uneven surfaces. This could arise from improved movement confidence and coordination; emotional expression; cognitive skills (planning, multitasking), and; utilisation of external movement cues. A large-scale RCT of this program is warranted. A protocol for this study has been registered retrospectively at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Identifier: ACTRN12618001834246.

The Cost-Effectiveness of a Dance and Yoga Intervention for Girls with Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders.

Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) affect children worldwide, being more prevalent among girls. The individual and societal burdens of the disease are substantial, and evidence-based interventions are needed. Non-pharmacological treatments have generally produced promising results, with dance and yoga specifically having potential as an effective treatment option. Beside efficacy, the cost-effectiveness of interventions is important when prioritizing and allocating public resources. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of an 8-month dance and yoga intervention for girls with functional abdominal pain or irritable bowel syndrome, based on a randomized control trial called 'Just in TIME'. The intervention, performed in Sweden, was studied using a decision analysis tool, i.e., a decision tree within the trial followed by a Markov model with a time horizon of 10years. The base case considered healthcare costs as well as productivity losses, measuring the effects in gained quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and presenting an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The basecase results show that the intervention, compared with current practice, was the dominant strategy from both the 12-month and long-term perspectives. The sensitivity analyses indicated that the long-term, but not the short-term, findings were robust for different assumptions and changes in parameter estimates, resulting in ICERs similar to those of the basecase scenario. Offering dance and yoga to young girls with FAPDs generates small QALY gains and monetary savings compared with standard healthcare and is likely cost-effective. These findings make a valuable contribution to an area where evidence-based and cost-effective treatment interventions are needed. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02920268; Name: Just in TIME-Intervention With Dance and Yoga for Girls With Recurrent Abdominal Pain.

Acutely enhancing affective state and social connection following an online dance intervention during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many throughout the world to isolate themselves from their respective communities to stop the spread of disease. Although this form of distancing can prevent the contraction of a virus, it results in social isolation and physical inactivity. Consequently, our communities have become heavily reliant on digital solutions to foster social connection and increase physical activity when forced to isolate. Dance is a multidimensional form of physical activity that includes sensory, motor, cognitive, rhythmic, creative, and social elements. Long-term, interventional studies in dance have shown positive effects on both mental and social health; however, little has been done to examine the acute effects and no studies to date have explored the relationship between the affective state and social outcomes of dance. We examined the hypothesis that online dance is associated with improvements in affective state and social connection during a time of social isolation, namely, the COVID-19 crisis. Healthy adults (age ≥ 18; n = 47) engaged in a single session of 60 min of self-selected online dance, completing a series of validated self-reported questionnaires before and after class. We found that online dance was associated with improvements in affective state as measured by increased positive affect and self-esteem and decreased negative affect and depressive symptoms. Additionally, online dance was associated with improvements in social and community connectedness. Further, we found that those who experienced the largest increases in self-esteem and decreases in negative affect demonstrated the largest gains in social connectivity. Although in-person dance classes may be optimal for formalized dance training, online dance instruction offers an accessible platform that can provide mental and social health benefits during the COVID-19 social isolation crisis. We conclude that through online dance, individuals can experience a connection between the body, mind, and community.

Effects of Fitness Dance and Funny Running on Anxiety of Female Ph.D. Candidates

Anxiety has been widely prevalent among female Ph.D. candidates. There is a positive correlation between exercise and mental health promotion. Nevertheless, little is known about the use of fitness dance and funny running to intervene in the anxiety of female Ph.D. candidates. In this paper, the effects of fitness dance and funny running on the anxiety of female Ph.D. candidates were evaluated by a repeated measurement experimental design. We randomly divided the participants into two groups, one group received a fitness dance exercise, and the other received a funny running exercise. The Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory was used to investigate the female Ph.D. candidates’ anxiety. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to test the effects of a fitness dance group and a funny running group on participants’ anxiety, and to compare the differences between the two groups. Results showed that a 12-week fitness dance and funny running can alleviate participants’ anxiety from severe to moderate. Specifically, fitness dance increased the positive emotional experience of participants’ state anxiety (p = 0.018) and trait anxiety (p = 0.019) at 8-week, and decreased the negative emotional experience of state anxiety (p = 0.012), trait anxiety (p = 0.008), state anxiety level (p = 0.001) and trait anxiety level (p = 0.034) at 12-week. Funny running increased the positive emotional experience of participants’ state anxiety (p = 0.014), and trait anxiety (p = 0.002), and reduced the negative emotional experience of state anxiety (p = 0.043), state anxiety level (p = 0.047) and trait anxiety level (p = 0.022) at 12-week. This study suggests that fitness dance and funny running are healthy behaviors, which can help Chinese female Ph.D. candidates to dissociate from anxiety and stress situations and develop a healthy lifestyle. It is worth noting that the effects of fitness dance on Chinese female Ph.D. candidates’ anxiety are better than that of funny running. Based on the good effects of fitness dance in alleviating the anxiety of Chinese female Ph.D. candidates, future researches can design fitness dance intervention programs combining exercise therapy and psychotherapy according to the anxiety characteristics of female Ph.D. candidates, such as mindfulness fitness dance programs.

The effect of dance on rehabilitation training after COVID-19.

This study aims at investigating the effect of dance on rehabilitation training after COVID-19. In this study, a total of 112 patients with COVID-19 were recruited for rehabilitation training. Before enrollment, a neurologist conducted medical history inquiry, basic information collection, MMSE (MiniMental State Examination), MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and MHIS (Mental Health Information Systems) assessment. In the end, 68 patients with COVID-19 who met the entry criteria and signed the informed consent were included in the training. 8 patients with greater exercise risk after the ECG exercise test were not included in the group. Therefore, 60 patients were finally included in the group. The improved BMCE (Basic Medicine Comprehensive Examination) protocol was used to evaluate the cardiac function and exercise adaptability of the patients. The 12 lead ECG and gas metabolism instrument were used to monitor the changes of ECG and gas metabolism, and the blood pressure was measured at the same time. The exercise intensity was evaluated by subjective fatigue degree. The patient stopped the exercise test and rested for 15 minutes under the following conditions: (1) complained of any discomfort or intolerable fatigue; (2) horizontal or oblique ST segment pressure in ECG not shorter than 3 mm; (3) moderate to severe angina pectoris or reduction of systolic blood pressure greater than 10 mmhg. The heart rate when stopping the test was the maximum heart rate of the patient. The average participation times of MCI patients in the aerobic dance group were 33.9 (IQR = 34, 36), 89.7% of MCI patients participated in 90% of aerobic dance training, and only 3.4% of MCI patients participated in less than 80% of aerobic dance courses. Compared with the control group, the 3-month change value of Wechsler's logical memory of MCI patients in the aerobic dance group was significantly improved (p < 0.01). The 3-month change value of digital connection test B score was significantly improved (mean value of difference between groups = -32. The treatment speed was significantly shortened at 6 months (P300 latency 6 months change value = -20 ms). The intensity and frequency of aerobic dance play a key role in the effect of cognitive improvement, requiring long-term persistence and ensuring the intensity and frequency of training. Second, the patient's processing speed (P300 latency) tends to gradually extend with the passage of time, and aerobic dance intervention helps shortening the P300 latency, suggesting that patients can delay the decline of their cognitive function through early aerobic dance intervention.

Dance as an Element of Prevention and Treatment of Falls, Depression and Dementia in the Geriatric Population

Abstract Background Due to increasing life expectancy, the number of elderly people is increasing. This contributes to the increased incidence of geriatric syndromes, which lead to a loss of mobility, independence and worsens the quality of life. Aim The aim of this article is to review the literature on the use of dance training as a factor in reducing the risk of falls, depression and dementia in the elderly, and also in reducing the effects of these conditions. Material and Methods 40 articles were reviewed using PubMed, Google Scholar and ResearchGate databases published between 2008 and 2022. Conclusions Dancing can be an element of training, which, by improving coordination, balance and muscle strength, reduces the risk of falls among the elderly. By positively influencing the mood, creating opportunities to build new relationships or reducing the feeling of loneliness, it is one of the factors preventing the occurrence of depression and alleviating its symptoms. Although dancing increases the level of neurotrophic factors and increases the volume of the hippocampus, its effects on cognitive and executive functions are not fully understood. However, there are reports that it can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and alleviate anxiety in people with dementia, so the use of dance interventions seems to be a beneficial form of exercise among the elderly, especially since it does not require the use of specialized equipment and costs are not high.

EFFECTS OF DANCE INTERVENTIONS ON COGNITION IN OLDER ADULTS: A META-ANALYSIS

Abstract Background Dance interventions have been shown to improve cognition in older adults. However, no meta-analysis evaluates that effect. Objective: We examined the effects of dance on cognition in older adults and examined the moderating effects of participant, methods, and intervention characteristics. Methods We searched 14 databases using the search terms: dance AND cognition AND older adults. Researchers of primary studies compared dance with control groups of adults≥60 years old, measured cognition, and wrote in English. Two researchers independently coded studies and discussed to achieve consensus. Using the random-effects model, we computed effect sizes (ES) using Hedges’ g with 95%CIs along with heterogeneity statistics and conducted moderator analyses. Results Twenty-five studies included 1,908 participants (70.9±5.2years old). Dance had a strong, positive effect on both global cognition (ES=0.52, 95%CI [0.25, 0.78], p=.000) and memory (ES=0.56, 95%CI [0.08, 1.04], p=.022) and a moderate effect on executive function (ES=0.35, 95%CI [0.06, 0.65], p=.019) and attention (ES=0.21, 95%CI [0.06, 0.36], p=.005). Several variables moderated the relationship including the country, dancing in pairs or not, or with partners vs. non-partners. Methodological quality indicators that moderated the relationship was computing a priori power and comparing participant characteristics at baseline. Weeks of dancing and minutes/session also moderated the relationship. Conclusion Dance can significantly improve cognition in older adults. Healthcare providers might use dance interventions as an alternative treatment to improve cognition in older adults. Future researchers should explore the effects of type of dances on cognition and measure outcome changes over time.

Structured water dance intervention for adults with profound intellectual and multiple disability: Development and description of the method

People with profound intellectual and multiple disability (PIMD) have a combination of severe intellectual disability and extensive physical impairment, which limits their access to health-promoting enjoyable activities, such as dance. For people with PIMD to participate in dance, there is a need for adjustments and support. Thus, to bring dance and music into their everyday life, the Structured Water Dance Intervention (SWAN) was developed in Sweden. This paper aims to describe the development and methodology of SWAN. SWAN was developed from a holistic view on human existence adhering to a bio-psycho-social perspective. Hence, the key components of SWAN are experience of dance and music, adapted movements, stimulation of the senses, and interaction. In SWAN, the person with PIMD participates in the program in a warm water pool under the guidance of two instructors and in close collaboration with a support person who acts as a dance partner. We conclude that SWAN provides a meaningful activity with the potential to increase wellbeing for individuals with PIMD.

Dance-Specific Activity in People Living With Dementia: A Conceptual Framework and Systematic Review of Its Effects on Neuropsychiatric Symptoms.

Dance as a non-pharmacological therapy is commonly used in dementia care, although the evidence of its effects remains unclear. This study systematically reviewed the effects of dance interventions on neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in people living with dementia. To systematically identify and evaluate dance interventions, a standardized terminology for Dance-Specific Activity (DSA) is proposed. Literature search was conducted on electronic databases until April 30th 2021. Studies were included when they quantified the effects of DSA on NPS in people with clinical diagnosis of dementia. Included studies were analyzed in detail for NPS. Study quality was assessed by PEDro scale (German version). 4 studies were included. The studies differed in study design, intervention protocols, dance styles, or measurement tools, and were generally of low study quality. Two trials showed improvements in NPS and 2 trials showed no exacerbation of NPS after DSA. The results of the 4 available trials indicate a positive tendency towards the effects of DSA, but considering the limitations of the few available studies, a clear statement about the effects of DSA is not possible yet. Based on the included trials, the following implications for clinical research and routine care can be derived: (1) DSA seems to be a practical terminology for identifying dance interventions (2) DSA seems to be a safe intervention for people living with dementia. (3) Different dance styles can be used. (4) DSA approaches should be better structured by differentiating between the domains type, content, intention, and protocol of the intervention.

Fitness Dance Counteracts Female Ph.D. Candidates' Stress by Affecting Emotion Regulation.

Background: The impact of stress on the nation's physical and mental health is considerable. Exercise is considered to have beneficial effects on mental health and the capacity for coping with stress. The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of fitness dance intervention on female Ph.D. candidates' stress, and compare it with the intervention effects of MBSR. Method: A repeated measurement experimental design was used to evaluate the effects of fitness dance and MBSR on Chinese female Ph.D. candidates' stress. Results: Twelve weeks of fitness dance and MBSR can reduce participants' stress from severe to moderate. Eight weeks of fitness dance can reduce the tension from perceived stress (p = 0.019) and loss of control from perceived stress (p = 0.043). Twelve weeks of fitness dance can reduce the tension from perceived stress (p &lt; 0.000), loss of control from perceived stress (p = 0.002) and perceived stress (p = 0.001). Fitness dance and MBSR affect emotion regulation, thereby affecting stress. Fitness dance reduced participants' stress by improving their cognitive reappraisal ability. MBSR reduced participants' stress by improving their cognitive reappraisal ability and expression suppression ability. Conclusions: Fitness dance, as a method of exercise intervention, is suitable for reducing Chinese female Ph.D. candidates' stress.

Mat Pilates and belly dance: Effects on patient-reported outcomes among breast cancer survivors receiving hormone therapy and adherence to exercise

BackgroundBreast cancer treatment leads to several side effects. Exercise can help to reduce these side effects. However, it is unknown whether a mat Pilates or a belly dance intervention can improve the patient-reported outcomes of these women. ObjectiveExamine the effects of a 16-week exercise intervention (mat Pilates or belly dance) on patient reported outcomes (PROs) among breast cancer survivors, at 16 weeks, six months, and 12 months; and investigate sociodemographic and clinical predictors of intervention adherence. MethodsSeventy-four breast cancer survivors who were receiving hormone therapy were randomly allocated into mat Pilates (n = 25), belly dance (n = 25) or control group (educational sessions) (n = 24). Mat Pilates and belly dance groups received a 16-week intervention, delivered three days a week and 60 min a session. The control group received three education sessions and continue usual care. The patient reported outcomes assessed were depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), optimism (Life Orientation Test), fatigue (FACT-F), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and pain (VAS), clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and habitual physical activity (IPAQ short). ResultsAll three groups showed a significant improvement in fatigue, and this effect was maintained during follow-up. No significant effects were found for depressive symptoms, optimism, stress, or pain. A history of exercise prior to breast cancer and be inactive after diagnosis were significant predictors of adherence to interventions. ConclusionMat Pilates, belly dance and a few educational sessions can be effective in improving fatigue after 16 weeks of intervention. RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03194997).

Salivary cortisol levels and stress in adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities participating in the Structured Water Dance Intervention: a randomised controlled crossover trial

The Structured Water Dance Intervention (SWAN) is a dance-oriented aquatic group activity directed to give opportunities for the joy of movement, relaxation, and reduced stress. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of SWAN on salivary cortisol and stress in adults with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD). A total of 34 adults with PIMD at four habilitation centres in Sweden completed the SWAN intervention. The intervention was administered for 40 min once a week during a 12-week period. Saliva cortisol was collected in the morning and evening at baseline one week before the intervention, thrice during the intervention period, and one week after the intervention. Moreover, in connection with the SWAN sessions, the participants’ level of stress was also assessed by the accompanying assistants. The results showed that salivary cortisol and participants stress decreased significantly, directly after the SWAN sessions compared with measures directly before sessions. The study demonstrates that adults with PIMD have diurnal salivary cortisol patterns consistent with those observed in adults without disability and that the SWAN reduces salivary cortisol levels and stress in people with PIMD; this justifies that SWAN could be considered in the choice of interventions to reduce stress in adults with PIMD.Trial registration: This study is registered 09/04/2019 on ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT03908801).