Ballroom and Science
Ballroom and Aging
Ballroom dance for persons with multiple sclerosis: a pilot feasibility study.
Ng A, Bunyan S, Suh J, Huenink P, Gregory T, Gambon S, Miller D.Disabil Rehabil. 2020 Apr;42(8):1115-1121. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1516817. Epub 2019 Jan 13.PMID: 30638081
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the exercise intensity and feasibility of recreational ballroom dance for persons with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Methods:
Seven persons with MS participated in 2 one-hour dance sessions per week for 6 weeks. Dance types included rumba, foxtrot, waltz, and push-pull. Six other persons with MS comprised a control group that did not dance. Heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were monitored during the sessions. Outcome includes: quality of life, fatigue, depression, self-efficacy, timed up and go, Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index and the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite comprising 9-hole peg test, 25-ft walk test, and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), a cognitive test.
Results:
Heart rates and RPE indicated that ballroom dance for persons with MS can provide a light to moderate exercise intensity. After the dance program, quality of life and PASAT improved as did the MS Functional Composite Score. No changes were noted in the control group.
Conclusions:
Recreational ballroom dance is feasible and can provide an exercise stimulus sufficient to help meet exercise recommendations for persons with multiple sclerosis as well as improve quality of life and cognition in persons with MS.Implications for rehabilitationExercise or physical activity is important for the health and wellness of persons with multiple sclerosis.Persons with multiple sclerosis often seek information about non-traditional low-impact physical activity.In a small controlled sample, partnered recreational ballroom or social dance for persons with multiple sclerosis has been shown to be feasible and of recommended exercise intensity.Further, partnered recreational ballroom dance for persons with multiple sclerosis can improve measures of quality of life and cognitive function.
Dancing for Healthy Aging: Functional and Metabolic Perspectives.
Rodrigues-Krause J, Krause M, Reischak-Oliveira A.Altern Ther Health Med. 2019 Jan;25(1):44-63.PMID: 29428927 Review.
Context: Dancing has been used as a form of exercise to improve functional and metabolic outcomes during aging. The field lacks randomized, clinical trials (RCTs) evaluating metabolic outcomes related to dance interventions, but dancing may be a form of exercise that could induce positive effects on the metabolic health of older adults. However, primary studies seem very heterogonous regarding the trial designs, characteristics of the interventions, the methods for outcomes assessments, statistical powers, and methodological quality.
Objective:
The current research team intended to review the literature on the use of dance as a form of intervention to promote functional and metabolic health in older adults. Specifically, the research team aimed to identify and describe the characteristics of a large range of studies using dance as an intervention, summarizing them and putting them into perspective for further analysis.
Design:
The research team searched the following data sources-MEDLINE, Cochrane Wiley, Clinical Trials.gov, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDRO), and the Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS)-for RCTs, quasi-experimental studies, and observational trials that compared the benefits of any style of dancing, combined with other exercises or alone, to nonexercising controls and/or controls practicing other types of exercise.
Setting: The study took place at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Porto Alegre, Brazil).
Participants: Participants were aging individuals, >55 y, both with or without health conditions.
Interventions: Interventions should be supervised, taking form as group classes, in a dance setting environment. Dance styles were divided into 5 categories for the review: (1) cultural dances developed by groups of people to reflect the roots of a certain region, such as Greek dance; (2) ballroom dance (ie, dances with partners performed socially or competitively in a ballroom, such as foxtrot); (3) aerobic dance with no partner required, which mixes aerobic moves with dance moves; (4) dance therapies, whichare special dance programs including emotional and physical aspects; and (5) classical dances, which are dances with a unique tradition and technique, such as ballet or jazz dance.
Outcome measures: Studies needed to have evaluated functional and/or metabolic outcomes. Functional outcomes included (1) static and/or dynamic balance, (2) gait ability, (3) upper and/or lower muscle strength or power, (4) cardiorespiratory fitness, (5) flexibility, (6) risk of falls, and (7) quality of life. Metabolic outcomes included (1) lipid and glycemic profile; (2) systolic and diastolic blood pressure; (3) body composition; and (4) other specific cardiovascular risk factors or inflammatory or oxidative stress markers.
Results:
The research team retrieved 1042 articles, with 88 full texts assessed for eligibility, and 50 articles included in the analysis. Of the analyzed studies, 22 were RCTs evaluating dancing vs controls, and 3 were RCTs evaluating dancing vs other exercise. Regarding the participants of the reviewed studies: (1) 31 evaluated healthy individuals, (2) 7 evaluated patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, (3) 4 evaluated postmenopausal women, (4) 2 evaluated obese women, (5) 2 evaluated patients with chronic heart failure, (6) 1 evaluated frail older adults, (7) 1 evaluated individuals with visual impairments, (8) 1 evaluated persons with metabolic syndrome, and (9) 1 evaluated individuals with severe pain in the lower extremities. Regarding the interventions, most interventions were 12 wk long, 3 ×/wk, for 60 min each session. The dance styles most used were ballroom and cultural dances. Regarding the outcomes, functional and metabolic benefits were described in most of the included studies. Balance was the functional outcome most often assessed.
Conclusions:
Any dance style can induce positive functional adaptations in older adults, especially related to balance. Metabolic improvements may also be a result of dancing; however, more RCTs are needed. Dancing may be a potential exercise intervention to promote health-related benefits for aging individuals.
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Effects of dance on the postural balance, cognition and functional autonomy of older adults.
Borges EGDS, Vale RGS, Pernambuco CS, Cader SA, Sá SPC, Pinto FM, Regazzi ICR, Knupp VMAO, Dantas EHM.Rev Bras Enferm. 2018;71(suppl 5):2302-2309. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2017-0253.
Objective:
To evaluate the postural balance, cognition and functional autonomy of older adults with dementia, who are long-stay inpatients, subjected to ballroom dancing.
Method:
Simple randomized clinical study. Older adult sample: control group (30) and experimental group (30). The groups were subjected to the protocol of functional autonomy for activities of daily living; to the assessment of cognition (mini-mental state examination); and to the analysis of postural balance (stabilometric and postural platforms). The analysis of variance with repeated measures for group and time factors, and Scheffé's post hoc test were used, with significance of p < 0.05.
Results:
For the mini-mental state examination, the control group presented a 24.27 mean, and the experimental 22.75. Functional autonomy for activities of daily living - experimental: 54.47 ± 7.24 (p < 0.0001) x control: 61.77 ± 8.47 (p = 0.011). Postural balance - experimental: X = 3.16 ± 3.44 (p = 0.02) x control = X = 6.30 ± 7.62 (p = 0.04).
Conclusion:
Ballroom dancing can be recommended for older adults to provide improvement in their balance and motor performance of the activities of daily living.
Social Dancing and Incidence of Falls in Older Adults: A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial.
Merom D, Mathieu E, Cerin E, Morton RL, Simpson JM, Rissel C, Anstey KJ, Sherrington C, Lord SR, Cumming RG.PLoS Med. 2016 Aug 30;13(8):e1002112. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002112. eCollection 2016 Aug
Background:
The prevention of falls among older people is a major public health challenge. Exercises that challenge balance are recognized as an efficacious fall prevention strategy. Given that small-scale trials have indicated that diverse dance styles can improve balance and gait of older adults, two of the strongest risk factors for falls in older people, this study aimed to determine whether social dance is effective in i) reducing the number of falls and ii) improving physical and cognitive fall-related risk factors.
Methods and findings:
A parallel two-arm cluster randomized controlled trial was undertaken in 23 self-care retirement villages (clusters) around Sydney, Australia. Eligible villages had to have an appropriate hall for dancing, house at least 60 residents, and not be currently offering dance as a village activity. Retirement villages were randomised using a computer generated randomisation method, constrained using minimisation. Eligible participants had to be a resident of the village, be able to walk at least 50 m, and agree to undergo physical and cognitive testing without cognitive impairment. Residents of intervention villages (12 clusters) were offered twice weekly one-hour social dancing classes (folk or ballroom dancing) over 12 mo (80 h in total). Programs were standardized across villages and were delivered by eight dance teachers. Participants in the control villages (11 clusters) were advised to continue with their regular activities.
Main outcomes:
falls during the 12 mo trial and Trail Making Tests.
Secondary outcomes:
The Physiological Performance Assessment (i.e., postural sway, proprioception, reaction time, leg strength) and the Short Physical Performance Battery; health-related physical and mental quality of life from the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) Survey. Data on falls were obtained from 522 of 530 (98%) randomised participants (mean age 78 y, 85% women) and 424 (80%) attended the 12-mo reassessment, which was lower among folk dance participants (71%) than ballroom dancing (82%) or control participants (82%, p = 0.04). Mean attendance at dance classes was 51%. During the period, 444 falls were recorded; there was no significant difference in fall rates between the control group (0.80 per person-year) and the dance group (1.03 per person-year). Using negative binomial regression with robust standard errors the adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) was 1.19 (95% CI: 95% CI = 0.83, 1.71). In exploratory post hoc subgroup analysis, the rate of falls was higher among dance participants with a history of multiple falls (IRR = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.15, 3.54, p = 0.23 for interaction) and with the folk dance intervention (IRR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.73). There were no significant between-group differences in executive function test (TMT-B = 2.8 s, 95% CI: -6.2, 11.8). Intention to treat (ITT) analysis revealed no between-group differences at 12-mo follow-up in the secondary outcome measures, with the exception of postural sway, favouring the control group. Exploratory post hoc analysis by study completers and style indicated that ballroom dancing participants apparently improved their gait speed by 0.07 m/s relative to control participants (95% CI: 0.00, 0.14, p = 0.05). Study limitations included allocation to style based on logistical considerations rather than at random; insufficient power to detect differential impacts of different dance styles and smaller overall effects; variation of measurement conditions across villages; and no assessment of more complex balance tasks, which may be more sensitive to changes brought about by dancing.
Conclusions:
Social dancing did not prevent falls or their associated risk factors among these retirement villages' residents. Modified dance programmes that contain "training elements" to better approximate structured exercise programs, targeted at low and high-risk participants, warrant investigation.
Ballroom Dance: Linking Serious Leisure to Successful Aging.
Stevens-Ratchford RG.Int J Aging Hum Dev. 2016 Sep;83(3):290-308. doi: 10.1177/0091415016652405. Epub 2016 Jun 9.PMID: 27284202
Objective:
This study explored ballroom dance as serious leisure and successful aging in a sample of community-dwelling older adults.
Methods:
Qualitative procedures were used to explore stories of ballroom dance and successful aging.
Results:
Participants described positive successful aging and active leisure engagement. Three themes emerged from thematic analyses: (a) Ballroom Dance as Serious Leisure: Its Dimensions; (b) Ballroom Dance: Its Link to Successful Aging; (c) The Affinity: We Love to Dance!.
Conclusion:
The participants' ballroom dance revealed serious leisure characteristics in conjunction with their successful aging. They loved to dance, self-identified as ballroom dancers, and orchestrated their dance activities within its social world. Future research should examine the relation of successful aging to the social world of ballroom dance.
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Postural balance and falls in elderly nursing home residents enrolled in a ballroom dancing program.
da Silva Borges EG, de Souza Vale RG, Cader SA, Leal S, Miguel F, Pernambuco CS, Dantas EH.Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2014 Sep-Oct;59(2):312-6. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2014.03.013. Epub 2014 Apr 5.
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a ballroom dancing program on the postural balance of institutionalized elderly residents. The sample consisted of 59 sedentary elderly residents of long-stay institutions who were randomly assigned to a ballroom dancing experimental group (EG, n=30) or a control group (CG, n=29). The ballroom dancing program consisted of three 50-min sessions each week on alternate days over a 12-week period. The dances included the foxtrot, waltz, rumba, swing, samba and bolero. The medical records of the subjects were reviewed to determine the number of falls they experienced in the three months prior to the intervention. Postural static balance was assessed using a Lizard (Med. EU., Italy, 2010) stabilometric and posturometric platform. Only patients in the EG lost a significant amount of weight (Δ=-2.85 kg) when comparing the pre- and post-test postural balance assessments. The intergroup comparison revealed a reduced lower limb weight distribution difference in the EG post-test compared to the CG post-test (p=0.012). In the intragroup comparison, the EG patients experienced significantly fewer falls post-test relative to pre-test (p<0.0001). This improvement was not observed for patients in the CG. In the intergroup analysis, we observed fewer falls in the EG post-test compared to the CG post-test (p<0.0001). Therefore it was conclude that sedentary elderly people living in long-term institutions can improve their balance via a ballroom dancing program. This activity improved balance and reduced the number of falls in this elderly population.
The effect of ballroom dance on balance and functional autonomy among the isolated elderly.
Borges EG, Cader SA, Vale RG, Cruz TH, Carvalho MC, Pinto FM, Dantas EH.Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 2012 Sep-Oct;55(2):492-6. doi: 10.1016/j.archger.2011.09.004. Epub 2012 Apr 5.
The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of a ballroom dancing program on the functional autonomy and physical balance of institutionalized elderly individuals. The study enrolled 75 sedentary elderly subjects from long-term institutions who were randomly divided into a ballroom dance program group (EG; n=39) and a control group (CG; n=36). The protocol of the Latin American Group for Maturity (GDLAM) was used to evaluate functional autonomy. Physical balance was analyzed using a stabilometer and posture meter platforms. The level of significance in statistical tests was set at p<0.05. Regarding the physical balance evaluation, only the members of the EG achieved a significant reduction in weight (Δ=-0.98 kg) following the experiment, both in the intragroup (p=0.002) and in the intergroup analysis (p=0.012). In the evaluation of functional autonomy, only the EG showed a significant reduction in the execution time of all the tests and in the GDLAM index: GI (Δ=-6.99), both in the intragroup (p<0.001) and in the intergroup analysis (p=0.011). Thus, it can be inferred that sedentary elderly individuals who are residents of long-term institutions can improve their functional autonomy and balance with a ballroom dance program.
Ballroom and Cancer
Rudolph I, Schmidt T, Wozniak T, Kubin T, Ruetters D, Huebner J; Working Group Prevention and Integrative Oncology of the German Cancer Society.J Cancer Res Clin Oncol. 2018 Apr;144(4):759-770. doi: 10.1007/s00432-018-2606-8. Epub 2018 Feb 8.PMID: 29423728 Review.
Background:
Physical activity has positive effects on cancer patients. Dancing addresses diverse bio-psycho-social aspects. Our aim was to assess the evidence on ballroom dancing and to develop the setting for a pilot project.
Methods:
We performed a systematic review, extracted the data and designed a pilot training based on standard curricula. We included cancer patients during or after therapy. Training duration was 90 min with one regular pause and individual pauses as needed.
Results:
We retrieved two systematic reviews and six controlled studies. Types of dancing varied. Only one study used ballroom dancing. Dance training might improve well-being, physical fitness, fatigue and coping during and after therapy. Yet, evidence is scarce and data to derive the effect size are lacking; 27 patients and their partners took part in the pilot training. Patients and partners needed more time to learn the steps than is planned in regular ballroom classes. Participants were very satisfied with the adaptation of the training to their physical strength and estimated the training in a sheltered group. No side effects occurred. In spite of a high rate of participants reporting fatigue, 90 min of physical activity with only a few minutes of rest were manageable for all participants.
Conclusion:
Ballroom dancing may offer benefits for patients with respect to quality of life. Cancer patients prefer sheltered training setting and curricula of regular ballroom classes must be adapted for cancer patients. Strict curricula might reduce motivation and adherence and exclude patients with lower or variable fitness.
Effect of ballroom dancing on the well-being of cancer patients: Report of a pilot project.
Schmidt T, Rudolph I, Wozniak T, Ruetters D, Van Mackelenbergh MT, Huebner J.Mol Clin Oncol. 2018 Sep;9(3):342-346. doi: 10.3892/mco.2018.1663. Epub 2018 Jun 28.
The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of ballroom dancing for patients with cancer and their partners, and develop a simple method for assessing its effects on the patients' well-being. A total of 11 pairs (14 patients and 8 healthy partners) participated. Participation was open, and there were no restrictions in terms of the type of cancer, treatment or comorbidities. An anonymous standardized questionnaire allowing participants to rate their well-being on a visual analogue scale (VAS) from 1 to 10 was used. This rating was repeated at defined time points over 1 week. No adverse events occurred during the study, and the teaching methods appeared to be feasible for the patients. The well-being of all patients remained stable or increased during the class, and returned to the initial level within the following days. A total of 3 patients with a low well-being rating prior to class experienced a strong improvement during the class, which continued until the last day of observation for 2 patients. These results confirm the effectiveness of a VAS-based method for the evaluation of ballroom dancing in patients with different types of cancer undergoing different treatments, and its positive effect on the patients' well-being.
Ballroom and Cardiology
Cruz CJGD, Molina GE, Porto LGG, Junqueira LF Jr.Res Q Exerc Sport. 2017 Sep;88(3):371-376. doi: 10.1080/02701367.2017.1318202. Epub 2017 May 16.
Purpose:
In a cross-sectional study design, we evaluated the resting heart rate (HRbaseline) and exercise and postexercise stress test-related chronotropic responses in male practitioners of recreational ballroom dancing (BD; n = 25, Mage = 26.6 ± 6.1 years) compared to a control group of insufficiently active nondancers (CG; n = 25, Mage = 25.9 ± 4.5 years).
Method:
All participants underwent a submaximal exercise test. At 85% of the maximal predicted HR, the recovery protocol was started, and heart rate recovery (HRR) was recorded during 1-min intervals for 5 min.
Results:
Compared with CG, BD showed lower HRbaseline (70 beats per minute [bpm] vs. 62 bpm, respectively, U = 143, p < .05, ES = .46), lower preexercise HR (94 bpm vs. 86 bpm, U = 157, p < .05, ES = .42), longer exercise test duration (346 s vs. 420 s, U = 95.5, p < .05, ES = .59), and higher HRR for 5 min postexercise (U = 1.29-1.89, p < .05, ES = .33-.50) as follows: 1st min (32 bpm vs. 40 bpm), 2nd min (45 bpm vs. 53 bpm), 3rd min (51 bpm vs. 58 bpm), 4th min (55 bpm vs. 59 bpm), and 5th min (59 bpm vs. 63 bpm). The coefficient of HRR from the 1st min to the 5th min postexercise was similar in both groups (U = 229-311, p > .05, ES = < .10-.22).
Conclusion:
Heightened cardiovascular functional status characterized by favorable enhanced chronotropic dynamics appears to occur in practitioners of recreational ballroom dancing, which suggests that this modality of exercise may result in health benefits.
Heart rate and estimated energy expenditure during ballroom dancing.
Blanksby BA, Reidy PW.Br J Sports Med. 1988 Jun;22(2):57-60. doi: 10.1136/bjsm.22.2.57.
Ten competitive ballroom dance couples performed simulated competitive sequences of Modern and Latin American dance. Heart rate was telemetered during the dance sequences and related to direct measures of oxygen uptake and heart rate obtained while walking on a treadmill. Linear regression was employed to estimate gross and net energy expenditures of the dance sequences. A multivariate analysis of variance with repeated measures on the dance factor was applied to the data to test for interaction and main effects on the sex and dance factors. Overall mean heart rate values for the Modern dance sequence were 170 beats.min-1 and 173 beats.min-1 for males and females respectively. During the Latin American sequence mean overall heart rate for males was 168 beats.min-1 and 177 beats.min-1 for females. Predicted mean gross values of oxygen consumption for the males were 42.8 +/- 5.7 ml.kg-1 min-1 and 42.8 +/- 6.9 ml.kg-1 min-1 for the Modern and Latin American sequences respectively. Corresponding gross estimates of oxygen consumption for the females were 34.7 +/- 3.8 ml.kg-1 min-1 and 36.1 +/- 4.1 ml.kg-1 min-1. Males were estimated to expand 54.1 +/- 8.1 kJ.min-1 of energy during the Modern sequence and 54.0 +/- 9.6 kJ.min-1 during the Latin American sequence, while predicted energy expenditure for females was 34.7 +/- 3.8 kJ.min-1 and 36.1 +/- 4.1 kJ.min-1 for Modern and Latin American dance respectively. The results suggested that both males and females were dancing at greater than 80% of their maximum oxygen consumption. A significant difference between males and females was observed for predicted gross and net values of oxygen consumption (in L.min-1 and ml.kg-1 min-1).
Ballroom and Diabetes
Mangeri F, Montesi L, Forlani G, Dalle Grave R, Marchesini G.Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2014 Jun 22;6:74. doi: 10.1186/1758-5996-6-74. eCollection 2014.
Objective:
To test the effectiveness of a dance program to improve fitness and adherence to physical activity in subjects with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Research design and methods:
Following a motivational interviewing session, 100 subjects with diabetes and/or obesity were enrolled either in a dance program (DP, n = 42) or in a self-selected physical activity program (SSP, n = 58), according to their preferences. Outcome measures were reduced BMI/waist circumference, improved metabolic control in type 2 diabetes (-0.3% reduction of HbA1c) and improved fitness (activity expenditure >10 MET-hour/week; 10% increase in 6-min walk test (6MWT)). Target achievement was tested at 3 and 6 months, after adjustment for baseline data (propensity score).
Results:
Attrition was lower in DP. Both programs significantly decreased body weight (on average, -2.6 kg; P < 0.001) and waist circumference (DP, -3.2 cm; SSP, -2.2; P < 0.01) at 3 months, and the results were maintained at 6 months. In DP, the activity-related energy expenditure averaged 13.5 ± 1.8 MET-hour/week in the first three months and 14.1 ± 3.0 in the second three-month period. In SSP, activity energy expenditure was higher but highly variable in the first three-month period (16.5 ± 13.9 MET-hour/week), and decreased in the following three months (14.2 ± 12.3; P vs. first period < 0.001). At three months, no differences in target achievement were observed between groups. After six months the odds to attain the MET, 6MWT and A1c targets were all significantly associated with DP.
Conclusion:
Dance may be an effective strategy to implement physical activity in motivated subjects with type 2 diabetes or obesity (Clinical trial reg. no.NCT02021890, clinicaltrials.gov).
Ballroom and Education
Huang SY, Hogg J, Zandieh S, Bostwick SB.Am J Health Promot. 2012 Jan-Feb;26(3):160-5. doi: 10.4278/ajhp.090625-QUAN-203.
Purpose:
To determine if an existing ballroom dance classroom program meets national recommendations to engage children in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for ≥50% of class time and to determine class effects on body mass index (BMI).
Design:
Prospective descriptive study. Setting . Two New York City public schools.
Participants: Seventy-nine fourth and fifth grade students.
Measurements:
The System for Observing Fitness Instruction Time (SOFIT) and direct heart rate monitoring were used to determine participants' MVPA levels during class time. Weight and height were measured to calculate BMI.
Analysis: Means were calculated for continuous variables; frequency counts and percentages were calculated for categorical variables. Change in BMI percentiles was assessed by using Bhapkar's χ(2) test of overall marginal homogeneity.
Results:
Data from SOFIT observations showed that a mean of 50.0% and 67.0% of class time in the first and second halves of the program, respectively, were spent in MVPA. Data from the heart rate monitoring revealed that 71.1% of students were at ≥25% heart rate reserve, which indicated MVPA for ≥50% of class time. Improvement was seen in BMI percentile (p= .051).
Conclusion:
Ballroom dance provides MVPA in elementary school children for ≥50% of class time and has a positive impact on BMI percentiles.
Ballroom and Muscular System
Jin X, Wang B, Lv Y, Lu Y, Chen J, Zhou C.Exp Brain Res. 2019 Mar;237(3):743-753. doi: 10.1007/s00221-018-5410-4. Epub 2019 Jan 2.
Sensorimotor synchronization is the coordination of rhythmic movement with an external beat. Dancers often synchronize each beat of their motion with an external rhythm. Compared with social dancing, competitive ballroom dancing requires a higher level of sensorimotor ability. Although previous studies have found that dance experience may facilitate sensorimotor synchronization, they did not examine this in competitive ballroom dancers. Thus, the present study compared sensorimotor synchronization in 41 nondancers and 41 skilled, competitive ballroom dancers as they performed a simple beat synchronization finger-tapping task. All participants finger-tapped freely at their preferred tempo before the formal experiments. Participants were then required to synchronize their finger-tapping with auditory, visual, or combined audiovisual signals in separate experiments and at varying tempos. To assess sensorimotor plasticity, the participants then repeated the free-tapping task after completing all three finger-tapping experiments. Compared with nondancers, dancers showed more accurate and stable beat synchronization. Dancers tapped before onset of all three types of sensorimotor stimulation, indicating a significant negative mean asynchrony and had a tendency to anticipate (predict) the stimuli. Dancers tended to auditory stimulation for beat sensorimotor synchronization, whereas nondancers tended to visual stimuli. Dancers had a faster tempo preference in the initial free-tapping task; however, the preferred tapping tempo increased in all participants in the second free-tapping task, suggesting that beat induction is affected by practice. Together these findings suggest that dance experience enhances sensorimotor synchronization and sensorimotor plasticity, with ballroom dancers tending to auditory stimulation for beat induction.
Multifidus Muscle Size and Symmetry in Ballroom Dancers with and without Low Back Pain.
Smyers Evanson A, Myrer JW, Eggett DL, Mitchell UH, Johnson AW.Int J Sports Med. 2018 Jul;39(8):630-635. doi: 10.1055/a-0631-3111. Epub 2018 Jun 8.
The incidence of low back pain (LBP) among elite ballroom dancers is high and understanding associations between muscle morphology and pain may provide insight into treatment or training options. Research has linked multifidus muscle atrophy to LBP in the general and some athletic populations; however, this has not been examined in ballroom dancers. We compared the lumbar multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA) at rest in 57 elite level ballroom dancers (age 23±2.4 years; height, 174±11 cm; mass, 64±10 kg) divided into one of three pain groups, according to their self-reported symptoms, 1) LBP group (n=19), 2) minimal LBP (n=17), and 3) no LBP (n=21). There were no significant difference in demographics between the groups (P>0.05). The LBP group demonstrated significant differences in reported pain and Oswestry Disability Index scores compared to the other two groups. There was no significant difference between groups in multifidus cross-sectional area (P=0.49). Asymmetry was found in all groups with the overall left side being significantly larger than the right (P<0.002). Pain associated with segmental decrease in multifidus CSA was not observed in ballroom dancers with LBP, suggesting other reasons for persistent LBP in ballroom dancers.
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Injury Surveillance of Nonprofessional Salsa Dance.
Domene PA, Stanley M, Skamagki G.J Phys Act Health. 2018 Oct 1;15(10):774-780. doi: 10.1123/jpah.2017-0498. Epub 2018 Jul 20.
Background:
The investigation sought to (1) establish the extent of injuries, (2) determine the odds of sustaining an injury, and (3) calculate the injury incidence rate in nonprofessional salsa dance.
Methods:
Salsa dancers completed an anonymous web-based survey containing 11 demographic background and 10 (1 y retrospective) injury history questions.
Results:
The response rate was 77%. The final sample of respondents included 303 women and 147 men, of which 22% and 14%, respectively, sustained ≥1 injury during salsa dance in the past year. The odds of injury was 2.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.14-3.50) times greater (P < .05) for women than for men. Age, body mass index, and salsa dance experience were also found to be significant (all Ps < .05) predictors of injury. The injury incidence rate for women and men was 1.1 (95% CI, 0.9-1.4) and 0.5 (95% CI, 0.3-0.7) injuries per 1000 hours of exposure, respectively.
Conclusions:
This is the first study to have described salsa dancers in terms of their injury history profile. Results indicate that the likelihood of sustaining an injury during this physical activity is similar to that of ballroom, but lower than that of Spanish, aerobic, and Zumba®, dance.
[PHYSIOLOGICAL COORDINATION OF MOTOR ACTIONS IN PAIR OF DANCE].
Kapilevich LV, Bredikhina YP.Ross Fiziol Zh Im I M Sechenova. 2016 Feb;102(2):225-36.
With an increase of sports qualification dancers are developing asymmetry of parameters of bioelectric activity and hemodynamic of the legs. For beginners sportsmen are characteristic coordination of movements performed individually, while highly skilled dancers better coordination of movements, performed in tandem. For the average skill level of athletes characteristically is overvoltage vegetative-vascular system. All of the above allows us to consider the formation of skills in ballroom dancing as a functional system in which a sense of balance and coordination are determining for the skill level of athletes, linked to the information field of the visual and vestibular reception, to the organization of the contractile activity of muscles and vegetative-vascular maintenance activities. An essential component of this physiological system is the formation of asymmetry, which depends on the sex of the partner and defines its role in the pair.
Effect of an Eight-Week Ballroom Dancing Program on Muscle Architecture in Older Adults Females.
Cepeda CC, Lodovico A, Fowler N, Rodacki AL.J Aging Phys Act. 2015 Oct;23(4):607-12. doi: 10.1123/japa.2014-0101. Epub 2015 Feb 2.
Aging is related to a progressive remodeling of the neuromuscular system, which includes muscle mass, strength, and power reductions. This study investigated the effect of an eight-week dance program on fascicle pennation angle, fascicle length, and thickness of the vastus lateralis (VL), tibialis anterior (TA), biceps femoris (BF), and gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscles using ultrasound images. Thirty-four healthy older women were randomly assigned to either a dancing (DG: n = 19, 69.1 ± 6.5 years, 72.5 ± 11.7 kg) or control group (CG: n = 15, 71.5 ± 7.4 years, 70.9 ± 9.3 kg). After training, the DG showed greater (p < .05) thickness for VL (16%), TA (17%), BF (19%), and GM (15%); pennation angle for VL (21%), TA (23%), BF (21%), and GM (17%); and fascicle length for VL (11%), TA (12%), BF (10%), and GM (10%). These findings suggest that dance training was effective to change the lower limb muscle architecture in older female adults.
Rahal MA, Alonso AC, Andrusaitis FR, Rodrigues TS, Speciali DS, Greve JM, Leme LE.Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2015 Mar;70(3):157-61. doi: 10.6061/clinics/2015(03)01. Epub 2015 Mar 1.
Objective:
To determine whether Tai Chi Chuan or ballroom dancing promotes better performance with respect to postural balance, gait, and postural transfer among elderly people.
Methods:
We evaluated 76 elderly individuals who were divided into two groups: the Tai Chi Chuan Group and the Dance Group. The subjects were tested using the NeuroCom Balance Master¯ force platform system with the following protocols: static balance tests (the Modified Clinical Tests of Sensory Interaction on Balance and Unilateral Stance) and dynamic balance tests (the Walk Across Test and Sit-to-stand Transfer Test).
Results:
In the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented a lower sway velocity on a firm surface with open and closed eyes, as well as on a foam surface with closed eyes. In the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Unilateral Stance, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented a lower sway velocity with open eyes, whereas the Dance Group presented a lower sway velocity with closed eyes. In the Walk Across Test, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented faster walking speeds than those of the Dance Group. In the Sit-to-stand Transfer Test, the Tai Chi Chuan Group presented shorter transfer times from the sitting to the standing position, with less sway in the final standing position.
Conclusion:
The elderly individuals who practiced Tai Chi Chuan had better bilateral balance with eyes open on both types of surfaces compared with the Dance Group. The Dance Group had better unilateral postural balance with eyes closed. The Tai Chi Chuan Group had faster walking speeds, shorter transfer times, and better postural balance in the final standing position during the Sit-to-stand Test.
Ballroom and Nerve System
Ballroom Dancing Promotes Neural Activity in the Sensorimotor System: A Resting-State fMRI Study.
Lu Y, Zhao Q, Wang Y, Zhou C.Neural Plast. 2018 Apr 26;2018:2024835. doi: 10.1155/2018/2024835. eCollection 2018.PMID: 29853838
Objective:
This study aims at investigating differences in the spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity in the sensorimotor system between ballroom dancers and nondancers, to further support the functional alteration in people with expertise.
Materials and methods:
Twenty-three ballroom dancers and twenty-one matched novices with no dance experience were recruited in this study. Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and seed-based functional connectivity, as methods for assessing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data, were used to reveal the resting-state brain function in these participants.
Results:
Compared to the novices, ballroom dancers showed increased ALFF in the left middle temporal gyrus, bilateral precentral gyrus, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus, left postcentral gyrus, left inferior temporal gyrus, right middle occipital gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, and left middle frontal gyrus. The ballroom dancers also demonstrated lower ALFF in the left lingual gyrus and altered functional connectivity between the inferior frontal gyrus and temporal, parietal regions.
Conclusions:
Our results indicated that ballroom dancers showed elevated neural activity in sensorimotor regions relative to novices and functional alterations in frontal-temporal and frontal-parietal connectivity, which may reflect specific training experience related to ballroom dancing, including high-capacity action perception, attentional control, and movement adjustment.
Kunkel D, Robison J, Fitton C, Hulbert S, Roberts L, Wiles R, Pickering R, Roberts H, Ashburn A.Disabil Rehabil. 2018 Aug;40(16):1933-1942. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1323029. Epub 2017 May 9.PMID: 28482703
Purpose:
To explore the views of people with Parkinson's and their dance partners on the influence and issues surrounding dancing with an able-bodied dance partner during partnered ball room dance classes.
Methods:
In depth, semi-structured interviews explored purposively selected participants' experiences and views about dance classes. Fourteen people with Parkinson's and their dance partners (six spouses, two friends/relatives, five volunteers) were interviewed within a month of completing the 10-week dance class program. Data were analyzed thematically.
Results:
Generally, those partnered with a spouse or an experienced dancer, or when dance couples were able to develop good rapport, gained greater enjoyment and sense of achievement from dance classes in comparison to couples who did not enjoy dancing together or had clashing approaches to dance. Managing and negotiating who would "lead" in a dance was challenging for dance couples particularly among male people with Parkinson's.
Conclusions:
People with Parkinson's experience of the dance classes were influenced by the relationship and compatibility with their dance partner. Dance partnerships may impact on recruitment, enjoyment, outcome and continued participation in dance classes. Potential effects of partnerships should be analyzed and reported in studies evaluating the outcomes of dance classes. Implications for rehabilitation We recommend that health professionals consider involving spouses in Parkinson's dance classes as this may improve recruitment, adherence, enjoyment and overall outcome of the dance classes. If volunteers are needed, aim to recruit those who already have good dancing ability, convey a love of dancing and have the sensitivity and social skills to interact positively with the person with Parkinson's. Consider dance partnership issues when advertising and promoting dance classes. Address partnership issues through open communication and by changing partners if the dance partnership is not working well.
Lazarou I, Parastatidis T, Tsolaki A, Gkioka M, Karakostas A, Douka S, Tsolaki M.Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2017 Dec;32(8):489-499. doi: 10.1177/1533317517725813. Epub 2017 Aug 25.
Background:
Many studies have highlighted the positive effects of dance in people with neurodegenerative diseases.
Objectives: To explore the effects of International Ballroom Dancing on cognitive function in elders with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).
Methods:
One-hundred twenty-nine elderly patients with aMCI diagnosis (mean age 66.8 ± 10.1 years) were randomly assigned into 2 groups: intervention group (IG, n = 66) and control group (CG, n = 63). The IG exercised systematically for 10 months, and both groups were submitted to extensive neuropsychological assessment prior and after the 10-month period.
Results:
According to the independent sample t test at the follow-up, significant differences between groups were found in benefit of the IG while the CG showed worse performance in the majority of neuropsychological tests. According to the Student t test, better performance is detected in IG in contrast with CG, which had worse performance almost in all scales.
Conclusion:
Dance may be an important nonpharmacological approach that can benefit cognitive functions.
Kunkel D, Fitton C, Roberts L, Pickering RM, Roberts HC, Wiles R, Hulbert S, Robison J, Ashburn A.Clin Rehabil. 2017 Oct;31(10):1340-1350. doi: 10.1177/0269215517694930. Epub 2017 Feb 1.
Objective:
To determine the feasibility of a Dance Centre delivering a programme of mixed dances to people with Parkinson's and identify suitable outcomes for a future definitive trial.
Design:
A two-group randomized controlled feasibility trial.
Methods:
People with Parkinson's were randomized to a control or experimental group (ratio 15:35), alongside usual care. In addition, participants in the experimental group danced with a partner for one hour, twice-a-week for 10 weeks; professional dance teachers led the classes and field-notes were kept. Control-group participants were given dance class vouchers at the end of the study. Blinded assessments of balance, mobility and function were completed in the home. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subsample to explore the acceptability of dance.
Results: A total of 51 people with Parkinson's (25 male) with Hoehn and Yahr scores of 1-3 and mean age of 71 years (range 49-85 years), were recruited to the study. Dance partners were of similar age (mean 68, range 56-91 years). Feasibility findings focused on recruitment (target achieved); retention (five people dropped out of dancing); outcome measures (three measures were considered feasible, changes were recommended). Proposed sample size for a Phase III trial, based on the 6-minute walk test at six months was 220. Participants described dance as extremely enjoyable and the instructors were skilled in instilling confidence and motivation. The main organizational challenges for a future trial were transport and identifying suitable dance partners.
Conclusion:
We have demonstrated the feasibility of conducting the study through a Dance Centre and recommend a Phase III trial.
Dance for Parkinson's-The effects on whole body co-ordination during turning around.
Hulbert S, Ashburn A, Roberts L, Verheyden G.Complement Ther Med. 2017 Jun;32:91-97. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2017.03.012. Epub 2017 Apr 2.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of ballroom and Latin American dancing classes on turning in people with Parkinson's.
Design:
This study employed a randomised, controlled, experimental design.
Setting: Dance classes were performed in a community dance centre in Southern England and all assessments took place a gait laboratory.
Participants: Twenty-seven people with mild-moderate Parkinson's participated.
Intervention: Participants were randomly allocated to receive either 20, 1-h dancing classes over 10 weeks (n=15), or a 'usual care' control group (n=12).
Main outcome measure: Twelve, 180° on-the-spot turns to the predicted/un-predicted and preferred/un-preferred direction were analysed for each participant, using 3-dimensional motion analysis before and after the intervention period, alongside clinical measures.
Results:
Movement of the head, pelvis, and feet during turning in people with Parkinson's are affected by dancing with tighter coupling of body segments. Significant 4-way interactions between the groups, over time and turn style, with longer latency of the head (p=0.008) and greater rotation in the pelvis (p=0.036), alongside a trend of slower movement of the first (p=0.063) and second (p=0.081) foot in controls were shown, with minimal change in dancers. All interactions were affected by the type of turn. No significant differences were found in the centre of mass displacement, turn time or clinical measures.
Conclusion:
Those who danced were better able to coordinate their axial and perpendicular segments and surprisingly became more 'en bloc' in their turning behaviour, suggesting this may be a beneficial adaptation, rather than a maladaptive result of Parkinson's, as previously suggested.
Ashburn A, Roberts L, Pickering R, Roberts HC, Wiles R, Kunkel D, Hulbert S, Robison J, Fitton C.JMIR Res Protoc. 2014 Jul 22;3(3):e34. doi: 10.2196/resprot.3184.
Background:
Self-help and physical leisure activities has become increasingly important in the maintenance of safe and functional mobility among an increasingly elderly population. Preventing the cycle of deterioration, falling, inactivity, dependency, and secondary complications in people with Parkinson disease (PD) is a priority. Research has shown that people with PD are interested in dance and although the few existing trials are small, initial proof of principle trials from the United States have demonstrated beneficial effects on balance control, gait, and activity levels. To our knowledge, there has been no research into long-term effects, cost effectiveness, the influence on spinal posture and turning, or the personal insights of dance participants.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to determine the methodological feasibility of conducting a definitive phase III trial to evaluate the benefits of dance in people with PD. We will build on the proof of principle trials by addressing gaps in knowledge, focusing on areas of greatest methodological uncertainty; the choice of dances and intensity of the program; for the main trial, the availability of partners, the suitability of the currently envisaged primary outcomes, balance and spinal posture; and the key costs of delivering and participating in a dance program to inform economic evaluation.
Methods:
Fifty participants (mild-to-moderate condition) will be randomized to the control (usual care) or experimental (dance plus usual care) groups at a ratio of 15:35. Dance will be taught by professional teachers in a dance center in the South of England. Each participant in the experimental group will dance with his or her spouse, a friend, or a partner from a bank of volunteers. A blinded assessor will complete clinical measures and self-reported ability at baseline, and at 3 and 6 months after randomization. A qualitative study of a subgroup of participants and partners will examine user's views about the appropriateness and acceptability of the intervention, assessment protocol, and general trial procedures. Procedures for an economic evaluation of dance for health care will be developed for the main trial.
Results:
Recruitment began in January 2013 and the last participant is expected to complete the trial follow-up in June 2014.
Conclusions:
Findings from our study may provide novel insights into the way people with PD become involved in dance, their views and opinions, and the suitability of our primary and secondary outcomes.
Guzmán-GarcÃa A, Mukaetova-Ladinska E, James I.Dementia (London). 2013 Sep;12(5):523-35. doi: 10.1177/1471301211429753. Epub 2012 Mar 16.
The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of introducing a dance-based psychomotor intervention using Danzón (Latin ballroom) for people with dementia in care homes. This was a grounded theory qualitative study. Thirteen of the 22 participants had dementia and were care-home residents. The remaining participants were care staff and facilitators of the dance sessions. Interviews were undertaken with seven people with dementia and nine staff, resulting in two separate sets of grounded theory methodologies. Two conceptual models, outlining positive outcomes and negative concerns of the use of Danzón were developed, depicting the experiences of people with dementia and care staff respectively. Danzón psychomotor intervention was found to enhance positive emotional states and general levels of satisfaction for both people with dementia and care staff. The details of these findings have been used to design a quantitative study.
Hackney ME, Earhart GM.J Rehabil Med. 2009 May;41(6):475-81. doi: 10.2340/16501977-0362.
Objective:
The basal ganglia may be selectively activated during rhythmic, metered movement such as tango dancing, which may improve motor control in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Other partner dances may be more suitable and preferable for those with Parkinson's disease. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of tango, waltz/foxtrot and no intervention on functional motor control in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Design:
This study employed a randomized, between- notsubject, prospective, repeated measures design.
Subjects/patients:
Fifty-eight people with mild-moderate Parkinson's disease participated.
Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to tango, waltz/foxtrot or no intervention (control) groups. Those in the dance groups attended 1-h classes twice a week, completing 20 lessons in 13 weeks. Balance, functional mobility, forward and backward walking were evaluated before and after the intervention.
Results:
Both dance groups improved more than the control group, which did not improve. The tango and waltz/foxtrot groups improved significantly on the Berg Balance Scale, 6-minute walk distance, and backward stride length. The tango group improved as much or more than those in the waltz/foxtrot group on several measures.
Conclusion:
Tango may target deficits associated with Parkinson's disease more than waltz/foxtrot, but both dances may benefit balance and locomotion.
Ballroom and Psychology
Strahler J, Luft C.Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2019 Jul;29(7):1040-1049. doi: 10.1111/sms.13417. Epub 2019 Apr 4.
Athletes often report on heightened stress, higher disease susceptibility, and a deterioration in mood and performance throughout periods of high training load and competitions. This paper presents a single-case study combining different research approaches to monitor the dynamic, idiosyncratic responses to competitive stress in elite sports using the example of professional ballroom dancing. Throughout an 8-month period (313 data points), one international-level female dancer provided data on mood, stress, and fatigue. In parallel, she collected saliva samples for the assessment of cortisol (sCort) and alpha-amylase (sAA). A hair strand was collected every 3 months to examine cumulative cortisol secretion. As expected, perceived stress was related to a reduction in well-being. On a daily basis, sCort predicted lower fatigue. In addition, tournaments resulted in a 3-fold and a 2-fold increase in sCort and sAA, respectively, and there was a pronounced drop in hair cortisol in the aftermath of a surgery-related break from dancing. We confirm competitive ballroom dancing to constitute a major stressor with immediate and prolonged consequences for self-reported well-being and biological stress markers. Single-case studies offer much potential for the observation of complex dynamic associations. In a next step, this approach will also become relevant when evaluating the efficacy of preventive and therapeutic interventions on an individual level.
Improving Cognition through Dance in Older Filipinos with Mild Cognitive Impairment.
Dominguez JC, Del Moral MCO, Chio JOA, de Guzman MFP, Natividad BP, Decena JM, Montalvo MJY, Reandelar M, Phung KTT.Curr Alzheimer Res. 2018;15(12):1136-1141.
Background: People with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are considered a high-risk population for developing dementia and therefore potential targets for preventive interventions. So far, no pharmacological interventions have proven to be effective. Latest evidence has laid the groundwork for the hypothesis that dancing can have beneficial effect on cognition by improving neuroplasticity.
Objective:
This study aimed to examine whether a structured modular ballroom dance intervention (INDAK) could improve cognition among Filipino older persons with MCI.
Methods:
A two-armed, single-blinded, quasi-experimental study was conducted in a community-based population at Marikina City, Philippines. Two hundred and seven participants older than 60 years old with MCI participated through self-assigned allocation to dance (N=101) and control (N=106) groups. The intervention group received INDAK consisting eight types of ballroom dances with increasing complexity lasting one hour, twice a week for 48 weeks. Neurologists and psychologists blinded to the group allocation administered baseline and post intervention assessments using Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - Cognitive (ADAS-Cog), Filipino version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-P), Boston Naming Test (BNT), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) and Disability Assessment for Dementia (DAD).
Results:
Baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics did not differ between groups. The mean differences between baseline and 48-week assessments were compared between dancers and controls, showing that the intervention group improved in ADAS-Cog, MoCA-P, BNT and GDS.
Conclusion:
INDAK is potentially a novel, ecological and inexpensive non-pharmacological intervention that can improve cognition among older Filipinos with MCI.
An empirical investigation of dance addiction.
Maraz A, Urbán R, Griffiths MD, Demetrovics Z.PLoS One. 2015 May 7;10(5):e0125988. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0125988. eCollection 2015.
Although recreational dancing is associated with increased physical and psychological well-being, little is known about the harmful effects of excessive dancing. The aim of the present study was to explore the psychopathological factors associated with dance addiction. The sample comprised 447 salsa and ballroom dancers (68% female, mean age: 32.8 years) who danced recreationally at least once a week. The Exercise Addiction Inventory (Terry, Szabo, & Griffiths, 2004) was adapted for dance (Dance Addiction Inventory, DAI). Motivation, general mental health (BSI-GSI, and Mental Health Continuum), borderline personality disorder, eating disorder symptoms, and dance motives were also assessed. Five latent classes were explored based on addiction symptoms with 11% of participants belonging to the most problematic class. DAI was positively associated with psychiatric distress, borderline personality and eating disorder symptoms. Hierarchical linear regression model indicated that Intensity (ß=0.22), borderline (ß=0.08), eating disorder (ß=0.11) symptoms, as well as Escapism (ß=0.47) and Mood Enhancement (ß=0.15) (as motivational factors) together explained 42% of DAI scores. Dance addiction as assessed with the Dance Addiction Inventory is associated with indicators of mild psychopathology and therefore warrants further research.
Let's dance--feel better! Mood changes following dancing in different situations.
Zajenkowski M, Jankowski KS, Kołata D.Eur J Sport Sci. 2015;15(7):640-6. doi: 10.1080/17461391.2014.969324. Epub 2014 Oct 16.
In the present study, we examined mood changes following dancing. Previous works suggested that contextual factors may influence affective states; it has been shown that changes in mood following competition differ from those following recreational exercise. The study has been conducted in Warsaw, Poland. Mood was assessed before and after dance activity in three groups of ballroom dancers: recreational (n = 32) and competitive (n = 38) dancers doing ordinary training and competitive dancers taking part in a dance competition (n = 35). We observed a moderately positive change in recreational dancers doing ordinary training; they reported higher energetic arousal (EA) and hedonic tone (HT) and lower tense arousal (TA) after dance activity. In comparison dancers taking part in a competition were higher on TA before dancing and felt less pleasure after dancing than recreational and competitive dancers doing ordinary training; HT, TA and EA moderately decreased during competition. In general, the current study suggests that dance can elicit changes in mood; however, situational context has to be taken into consideration when explaining the influence of dance on mood.
Ballroom and Reproductive System
Menstrual disorders in amateur dancers.
Witkoś J, Wróbel P.BMC Womens Health. 2019 Jul 3;19(1):87. doi: 10.1186/s12905-019-0779-1.
Background:
Rigorous exercise undertaken by young girls, combined with a negative energetic balance, is related to substantial physiological changes in a competitor's body, often leading to hormonal imbalance manifested by: delayed puberty, delayed menstruation, menstrual disorders, and even long-term secondary amenorrhoea. Very lean competitors, with insufficient body fat content, are not capable of maintaining oestrogen production at an optimal level, which results in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis abnormalities and menstrual disorders. Studies involving research on menstrual disorders in amateur dancers are scarce. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate whether menstrual disorders are present among young amateur dancers.
Methods:
The study involved 233 females of a mean age of 22.1 years (SD ± 4.9), training amateur ballroom dancing. The questionnaire included questions regarding the regularity of the menstrual cycle, including the absence of a menstrual period, causes of menstrual disorders and breakthrough bleeding.
Results:
Menstrual disorders following a period of regular menstruation were reported by 132 (56.7%) of ballroom dancers. In 105 (79.5%), the absence of a menstrual period lasted for less than 3 months, in 18 (13.6%) it persisted for 3 up to 6 months, while in 9 (6.8%) it lasted for over 6 months.
Conclusions:
The research conducted concluded that with an increased number of hours spent in training by amateur dancers, there was a statistically significant increase in the chance for menstrual disorders; the more training sessions per week there were, the longer the breaks in menstruation were noted.
Ballroom dancing and cervical radiculopathy: a case report.
Tsung PA, Mulford GJ.Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1998 Oct;79(10):1306-8. doi: 10.1016/s0003-9993(98)90281-7.
Dance injuries associated with cervical radiculopathy have not been described in the literature. This report describes the case of an international-style ballroom dancer who developed a cervical radiculopathy as a result of frequent lateral rotation and hyperextension of the cervical spine during dancing. The patient's symptoms and signs suggestive of a left C7 radiculopathy were confirmed and documented by both magnetic resonance imaging and electrodiagnostic testing. The patient was treated conservatively with activity modification, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and alternative medicine approaches, including herbs and acupuncture. Her neck pain and cervical radicular symptoms declined in severity, but continued even 4 1/2 months after the onset of her symptoms. She did not wish to try steroids either through an oral or epidural route and refused surgical intervention. This case report illustrates an unconventional manner in which a left cervical radiculopathy was clinically produced. The neck motions and positions of frequent hyperextension and lateral rotation demonstrated by this ballroom dancer simulated a pattern and sequence of movements that promoted the development of signs and symptoms of a left cervical radiculopathy.
Ballroom Dancers and Science
Ballroom dancing is more intensive for the female partners due to their unique hold technique.
Vaczi M, Tekus E, Atlasz T, Cselko A, Pinter G, Balatincz D, Kaj M, Wilhelm M.Physiol Int. 2016 Sep;103(3):392-401. doi: 10.1556/2060.103.2016.3.11.PMID: 28229645
In this study, we tested the hypotheses that, relative to the maximum capacities, ballroom dancing is more intensive for females than males, and that the hold technique (female vs. male) regulates dancing intensity. Ten dance couples were tested in a maximal treadmill test, competition simulation, and stationary dance hold position. Peak heart rate and relative oxygen consumption were measured during the tests, except that oxygen consumption was not measured during competition simulation. Regardless of gender, heart rate increased similarly in the treadmill test and in the competition simulation. In the treadmill test, females achieved an oxygen consumption of 78% of the males (p < 0.05). Compared with males, females achieved 14% higher heart rate (p < 0.05) and similar oxygen consumption during the hold position. Heart rate during competition simulation relative to maximum was greater for females than males. Both heart rate and oxygen consumption measured during the hold, relative to maximum, were greater for females than males. It is concluded that lower class ballroom dancers perform at their vita maxima during competition simulation. Using heart rate as an intensity indicator, ballroom dancing is more intensive for females because of their unique hold technique.
[Injury profile in competitive senior ballroom dancers].
Wanke EM, Borchardt M, Fischer A, Groneberg DA.Sportverletz Sportschaden. 2014 Dec;28(4):204-10. doi: 10.1055/s-0034-1385607. Epub 2014 Nov 25.PMID: 25423198 German.
Introduction:
The growing numbers of members aged over 35 years in the German Dancesport Association indicate that not only physical activity but also sporting success is gaining significance with increasing age. Investigations on health hazards are still lacking. Aim of this study is the analysis of dance sport-related health hazards in the classifications Seniors I-III.
Methods:
A total of n = 124 (m: n = 67, f: n = 57) senior ballroom dancers participated in this retrospective cross-sectional investigation.
Results:
There were 0.9 (m)/1.0 (f) traumatic injuries/year (m: 0.03/1000 h, f: 0.04/1000 h). Gender specific differences as to localisation, type and factors could be observed. The most common injury localisations were the spine (22.2 %), followed by upper and lower leg (15.9 %) in males with foot (incl. ankle joint) (35.6 %), followed by spine (25.4 %), hip (15.3 %) and knee joint (23.8 %) in females. Chronic sports damages/complaints were more common in dancers (m: 1.6, f: 1.9) than traumatic injuries (m: 0.05/1000 h, w: 007/1000 h). The number of traumatic injuries and chronic sports damages rose according to the extent of training and age in males, with females only according to age. Knee problems (arthrosis/gonalgia/meniscal damage) were the most common sports damages (m: 30 %, f: 19.4 %), followed by degenerative spine diseases (m: 9.1 %, f: 9.7 %) and complaints not yet diagnosed (m: 14.6 %, f: 16 %). Intrinsic factors predominated (m: 64.7 %, f: 53.6 %).
Conclusion/discussion:
The injury risk in competitive senior ballroom dancers is low. An increase of jeopardising with age and extent of training could only be observed in males. That raises the issue of an optimal and gender-specific amount of training and the preventive significance of dance sport in the elderly. Localisation and type of injury reflect the characteristic movement elements in dance sport. There is a need for additional qualitative and quantitative investigations in order to create differentiated suggestions as to the planning of training and injury prevention.
Performance and recovery: stress profiles in professional ballroom dancers.
Liiv H, Jurimae T, Klonova A, Cicchella A.Med Probl Perform Art. 2013 Jun;28(2):65-9.
Like other athletes, ballroom dancers often compete in short time in different countries under condition of high stress, subjecting them to risk of injury and burnout. In the present study, we measured the aerobic and anaerobic capacities (both during dance and during a simulated ballroom competition), agility, hand and abdominal strength, jumping capacity, flexibility, and balance in 16 top-level couples of ballroom dancers (8 males, 8 females). The in-season level of perceived stress and recovery was assessed using the Rest Q 76 questionnaire, and the relationship with aerobic and anaerobic capacity and with the other tests was studied. Our results show a very high level of aerobic/anaerobic fitness in this population, as well as a high level of stress in males. Balance and experience (age of the subjects) appear to be key characteristics linked to the position in the IDSF World Ranking (world ranking points = 8.67 x age + 5.86 x balance + 1174.65; R2 = 0.740). Emotional stress (r = 0.83, p = 0.04), social stress (r = 0.72, p = 0.032), and sleep quality (r = 0.92, p = 0.001) scales of the Rest Q appear also to be linked with balance but only in females.
​
Contributions of muscle fatigue to a neuromuscular neck injury in female ballroom dancers.
McCabe TR, Hopkins JT, Vehrs P, Draper DO.Med Probl Perform Art. 2013 Jun;28(2):84-90.
Objective:
To investigate the etiology of a loss-of-control neck injury in international modern (IM) dancesport dancers. A comparison to identify if dancers with neck injury have a greater decrease in median frequency in electromyography (EMG) than non-injured dancers.
Subjects:
Twenty female subjects (mean age 21.6 ± 3.0 yrs, height 167.1 ± 4.3 cm, weight 59.1 ± 5.2 kg, mean BMI 21.1 ± 1.2) with minimum 1-year experience in competitive IM dancesport. Measurements:
EMG activity from the left upper trapezius, left splenius capitius, and right sternocleidomastoid muscles before and after dancing the five IM dances. Extension, lateral flexion, and neck length were also measured.
Results:
There was no significant difference in all measurements.
Conclusions: Although we did not find the etiology of this neck injury, this was the first research into this injury. Future research could study the different IM dances, compare different competition levels, or the amount of force placed on the neck when dancing.
Lower stress system activity and higher peripheral inflammation in competitive ballroom dancers.
Berndt C, Strahler J, Kirschbaum C, Rohleder N.Biol Psychol. 2012 Dec;91(3):357-64. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2012.08.006. Epub 2012 Aug 20.
Although regular physical exercise is beneficial for health, competitive ballroom dancers anecdotally report increased disease susceptibility. This study aims to uncover possible biological mechanisms and pathways that may lead to higher disease susceptibility in a population of otherwise healthy young athletes. Experienced ballroom dancers and healthy controls provided blood and saliva samples in order to assess diurnal cortisol and alpha-amylase (sAA) output as well as inflammatory parameters interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP). We found diurnal cortisol and sAA output to be significantly lower in dancers. Additionally, higher levels in IL-6 but not in CRP were shown in dancers. Dancers described themselves as being more anxious and reported more physical health complaints. Competitive ballroom dancers show evidence for hypoactivity in stress systems and peripheral inflammation along with more self-reported physical complaints. Therefore, competitive ballroom dancing represents a chronic stressor that can lead to important functional consequences. It remains to be investigated whether these alterations are causally related to health.
Balance, sensorimotor, and cognitive performance in long-year expert senior ballroom dancers.
Kattenstroth JC, Kalisch T, Kolankowska I, Dinse HR.J Aging Res. 2011;2011:176709. doi: 10.4061/2011/176709. Epub 2011 Sep 25.
Physical fitness is considered a major factor contributing to the maintenance of independent living and everyday competence. In line with this notion, it has been shown that several years of amateur dancing experience can exert beneficial effects not only on balance and posture but also on tactile, motor, and cognitive functions in older people. This raises the question of whether an even more extensive schedule of dancing, including competitive tournaments, would further enhance these positive effects. We therefore assessed posture, balance, and reaction times, as well as motor, tactile, and cognitive performance in older expert ballroom dancers with several years of competitive experience. We found substantially better performance in the expert group than in the controls in terms of expertise-related domains like posture, balance, and reaction times. However, there was no generalization of positive effects to those domains that were found to be improved in amateur dancers, such as tactile and cognitive performance, suggesting that there might be an optimal range of intervention intensity to maintain health and independence throughout the human lifespan.
Rohleder N, Beulen SE, Chen E, Wolf JM, Kirschbaum C.Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2007 Jan;33(1):69-84. doi: 10.1177/0146167206293986.
The social self-preservation theory states that humans have a fundamental motivation to preserve the social self and that threats to the social self perturb biological markers such as cortisol. Five studies were designed to examine the cortisol response to competitive ballroom dancing as a paradigm for real-life social-evaluative threat. Competitive dancing produced substantial increases in cortisol compared to a control day. These increases were not due to the physical strain of dancing and were greater than those found during social-evaluative laboratory stressors. Responses did not habituate across competitions and were mostly elevated under highly focused conditions of threat (couple vs. group competition). These findings support the notion of a social self-preservation system that is physiologically responsive to threats to the social self.
Biofeedback and dance performance: a preliminary investigation.
Raymond J, Sajid I, Parkinson LA, Gruzelier JH.Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2005 Mar;30(1):64-73. doi: 10.1007/s10484-005-2175-x.
Alpha-theta neurofeedback has been shown to produce professionally significant performance improvements in music students. The present study aimed to extend this work to a different performing art and compare alpha-theta neurofeedback with another form of biofeedback: heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback. Twenty-four ballroom and Latin dancers were randomly allocated to three groups, one receiving neurofeedback, one HRV biofeedback and one no intervention. Dance was assessed before and after training. Performance improvements were found in the biofeedback groups but not in the control group. Neurofeedback and HRV biofeedback benefited performance in different ways. A replication with larger sample sizes is required.
Others
The Energy Expenditure of Recreational Ballroom Dance.
Lankford DE, Bennion TW, King J, Hessing N, Lee L, Heil DP.Int J Exerc Sci. 2019 May 1;7(3):228-235. eCollection 2014.
The popularity of recreational ballroom dancing has increased dramatically in recent years. Yet, relatively little information is known regarding the physiological demands of ballroom dancing. The purpose of this study was to determine the energy requirements for recreational ballroom dancing. 24 participants volunteered including 12 women (mean ± SD: 21 ± 3 yrs, 165.8 ± 7.4 cm, 56.8 ± 11.1 kg) and 12 men (23 ± 1 yr, 175.5 ± 8.4 cm, 78.1 ± 15.6 kg). Gas exchange was recorded using a portable metabolic system during a series of five ballroom dances: Waltz, Foxtrot, Swing, Cha-Cha, and Swing. Each song was four minutes in duration, separated by a two minute rest period, totaling 30 minutes of testing. The intensity of each dance in metabolic equivalents (METs) is: Waltz = 5.3 ± 1.3, Foxtrot = 5.3 ± 1.5, Cha-Cha = 6.4 ± 1.6 and Swing = 7.1 ± 1.6 and 6.9 ± 1.7. Mean energy cost for the 30 minutes of testing was 5.88 ±1.7 kilocalories (kcal•min-1), 6.12 ± 1.2 METs. Mean energy cost and months of recreational dance experience were not significantly related (R2 = 0.04, p = 0.35). Energy expenditure of the follow partner was significantly related to the energy expenditure of the lead partner (R2 = 0.52, p <0.01). Finally, this study validates the intensity of recreational ballroom dance as matching the criteria established by the American College of Sports Medicine for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Musical Chairs: Using Wheelchair Ballroom Dance in Disability Education.
Agaronnik N.JAMA. 2018 Jul 3;320(1):14-15. doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.8081.
No abstract available
A dance intervention for cancer survivors and their partners (RHYTHM).
Pisu M, Demark-Wahnefried W, Kenzik KM, Oster RA, Lin CP, Manne S, Alvarez R, Martin MY.J Cancer Surviv. 2017 Jun;11(3):350-359. doi: 10.1007/s11764-016-0593-9. Epub 2017 Jan 9.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of a ballroom dance intervention on improving quality of life (QOL) and relationship outcomes in cancer survivors and their partners.
Methods:
We conducted a pilot randomized controlled trial with two arms (Restoring Health in You (and Your Partner) through Movement, RHYTHM): (1) immediate dance intervention and (2) delayed intervention (wait-list control). The intervention consisted of 10 private weekly dance lessons and 2 practice parties over 12 weeks. Main outcomes were physical activity (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire), functional capacity (6 Minute Walk Test), QOL (SF-36), Couples' trust (Dyadic Trust Scale), and other dyadic outcomes. Exit interviews were completed by all participating couples.
Results:
Thirty-one women survivors (68% breast cancer) and their partners participated. Survivors were 57.9 years old on average and 22.6% African American. Partners had similar characteristics. RHYTHM had significant positive effects on physical activity (p = 0.05), on the mental component of QOL (p = 0.04), on vitality (p = 0.03), and on the dyadic trust scale (p = 0.04). Couples expressed satisfaction with the intervention including appreciating the opportunity to spend time and exercise together. Survivors saw this light-intensity physical activity as easing them into becoming more physically active.
Conclusions:
Light intensity ballroom dancing has the potential to improve cancer survivors' QOL. Larger trials are needed to build strong support for this ubiquitous and acceptable activity.
Implications for cancer survivors: Ballroom dance may be an important tool for cancer survivors to return to a physically active life and improve QOL and other aspects of their intimate life.
Outevsky D, Martin BC.Med Probl Perform Art. 2015 Dec;30(4):238-50. doi: 10.21091/mppa.2015.4043.
Objectives:
Dancesport, the competitive branch of ballroom dancing, places high physiological and psychological demands on its practitioners, but pedagogical resources in these areas for this dance form are limited. Dancesport competitors could benefit from strategies used in other aesthetic sports. In this review, we identify conditioning methodologies from gymnastics, figure skating, and contemporary, modern, and ballet dance forms that could have relevance and suitability for dancesport training, and propose several strategies for inclusion in the current dancesport curriculum.
Methods:
We reviewed articles derived from Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Taylor & Francis Online, and Web of Science search engines and databases, with publication dates from 1979 to 2013. The keywords included MeSH terms: dancing, gymnastics, physiology, energy metabolism, physical endurance, and range of motion. Out of 47 papers examined, 41 papers met the inclusion criteria (validity of scientific methods, topic relevance, transferability to dancesport, publication date). Quality and validity of the data were assessed by examining the methodologies in each study and comparing studies on similar populations as well as across time using the PRISMA 2009 checklist and flowchart.
Results:
The relevant research suggests that macro-cycle periodization planning, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, range of motion and muscular endurance training, and performance psychology methods have potential for adaptation for dancesport training.
Conclusions:
Dancesport coaches may help their students fulfill their ambitions as competitive athletes and dance artists by adapting the relevant performance enhancement strategies from gymnastics, figure skating, and concert dance forms presented in this paper.
Hwang PW, Braun KL.Altern Ther Health Med. 2015 Sep-Oct;21(5):64-70.
Background:
Physical inactivity is commonly observed among individuals aged ≥ 60 y. Identified barriers to sedentary older adults beginning activity include low self-efficacy, pre-existing medical conditions, physical limitations, time constraints, and culture. Dancing has the potential to be an attractive physical activity that can be adjusted to fit a target population's age, physical limitations, and culture.
Objectives:
This review examined the benefits to physical health of dance interventions among older adults.
Methods:
Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search using the PubMed database was conducted. Eighteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were analyzed for type of intervention, the study's design, participants' demographics, and outcomes, including attrition.
Results: The 18 articles reported on studies conducted in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Of the styles of dancing, 6 studies used ballroom, 5 used contemporary, 4 used cultural, 1 used pop, and 2 used jazz. Two studies targeted older adults with pre-existing medical conditions. The average age of participants ranged from 52-87 y. Researchers used a variety of measures to assess effectiveness: (1) 3 of 5 (60%) that used measures to assess flexibility showed significant positive results; (2) 23 of 28 (82%) that used measures of muscular strength and endurance showed significant positive changes; (3) 8 of 9 (89%) that used measures of balance showed significant positive changes; (4) 8 of 10 (80%) that used measures of cognitive ability showed significant positive changes; and (5) the one that measured cardiovascular endurance showed significant positive changes. Only 6 studies reported participation, and they found low attrition.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that dance, regardless of its style, can significantly improve muscular strength and endurance, balance, and other aspects of functional fitness in older adults. Future researchers may want to analyze the effects of dance on mental health and explore ways to make this intervention attractive to both genders. Standardizing outcome measures for dance would facilitate meta-analysis.
Why do you dance? Development of the Dance Motivation Inventory (DMI).
Maraz A, Király O, Urbán R, Griffiths MD, Demetrovics Z.PLoS One. 2015 Mar 24;10(3):e0122866. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122866. eCollection 2015.
Dancing is a popular form of physical exercise and studies have show that dancing can decrease anxiety, increase self-esteem, and improve psychological wellbeing. The aim of the current study was to explore the motivational basis of recreational social dancing and develop a new psychometric instrument to assess dancing motivation. The sample comprised 447 salsa and/or ballroom dancers (68% female; mean age 32.8 years) who completed an online survey. Eight motivational factors were identified via exploratory factor analysis and comprise a new Dance Motivation Inventory: Fitness, Mood Enhancement, Intimacy, Socialising, Trance, Mastery, Self-confidence and Escapism. Mood Enhancement was the strongest motivational factor for both males and females, although motives differed according to gender. Dancing intensity was predicted by three motivational factors: Mood Enhancement, Socialising, and Escapism. The eight dimensions identified cover possible motives for social recreational dancing, and the DMI proved to be a suitable measurement tool to assess these motives. The explored motives such as Mood Enhancement, Socialising and Escapism appear to be similar to those identified in other forms of behaviour such as drinking alcohol, exercise, gambling, and gaming.
Ballroom dance and body size perception.
Fonseca CC, Thurm BE, Vecchi RL, Gama EF.Percept Mot Skills. 2014 Oct;119(2):495-503. doi: 10.2466/25.PMS.119c26z1.
Ballroom dancing consists in the performance of rhythmic movements guided by music, which provide sensorimotor integration and stimulate feelings. The body schema is the unconscious sensorimotor representation that allows the individual to perceive his anatomical body in space. Comprising tactile, proprioceptive, kinesthetic, and environmental information, it is directly related to movement. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of non-competitive practice of ballroom dancing on body perception. The projection point test was applied to 30 volunteers before and after a period of 3 mo.; 15 controls attended lectures on body perception and 15 participants took dance lessons. It was observed that ballroom dancing brought perceptual benefits for those who practiced it.
A bibliographic review of medicine and science research in dancesport.
McCabe TR, Wyon M, Ambegaonkar JP, Redding E.Med Probl Perform Art. 2013 Jun;28(2):70-9.
DanceSport is the competitive form of ballroom dancing, and even though it has more participants worldwide than ballet and modern dance, there is less peer-reviewed research. A review was conducted to identify all relevant literature to help researchers and clinicians gain an enhanced understanding of dancesport. Eight databases were searched, with 34 articles found in topics including participation motives, psychology, exercise physiology, fitness training, injuries and injury prevention, biomechanics, menstrual dysfunction, and substance use. Our results indicate that researchers have been inconsistently recording and reporting anthropometric and dancesport data; for example, 31 studies separated participants by gender, 21 included the competition classification of dancers, 19 reported which style of dancesport participants competed in, and 13 described the participants as a dance couple. Common injuries affected the neck, shoulder, spine, knee, lower leg, and foot. Dancesport is in the very heavy to extremely heavy category in energy expenditure (mean heart rate: male 175.2 ± 10.7, female 178.6 ± 8.6 bpm) and utilizes both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Alpha-beta and heart rate variability intervention techniques are reported to successfully enhance performance in dancers. Dancesport participants also appear less likely to smoke cigarettes, but have little knowledge about anti-doping rules. During events, professionals danced farther (30 m) and faster (0.3 m/sec) than junior dancers. Female competitors were more likely to be eumenorrheic. Dancesport is a physically and mentally demanding competitive sport, but there is a need to standardize measurements in future studies to allow comparison.