Effects of DanceSport on walking balance and standing balance among the elderly

BACKGROUND: Dancesport is a popular activity among older adults who look for fun and fitness in Korea. Studies reported positive sociological and psychological effects of dancesport. But, little studies were performed to evaluate the effects of dancesport on balance performances. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of dancesport for 15 weeks on walking balance and standing balance of older adults. METHODS: Older adults regularly participated in the dancesport program 3 times a week for 15 weeks. The program included Rumba, Cha-cha-cha, and Jive. They exercised the prescribed dancesport at intermediate level for 50-60 mins for each time. A total 22 reflective markers were placed on the anatomical landmarks and 8 cameras were used to measure 3-D positions of participants. Also, center of pressure (COP) data were measured to analyze standing balance using a ground reaction board at 1200 Hz for 30 seconds. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to test the effects of 15 weeks of dancesport on walking balance and standing balance. RESULTS: The results suggested that, after 15 weeks of dancesport participation, older adults' walking balance (48.3 ± 20.3 cm² vs 38.2 ± 18.2 cm²) and standing balance (COP area: 189.4 ± 85.4 mm² vs 103.5 ± 55.4mm², COP distance: 84.2 ± 34.4 cm vs 76.5 ± 21.4 cm) were significantly improved. CONCLUSION: Performing dancesport would require moving center of mass rapidly and frequently while maintaining posture. This may result in improving walking balance and standing balance in the present study. The study concluded that dancesport would be an effective exercise method in enhancing postural stability of older adults.