CHANGES IN POSTURAL CONTROL POST AN 8-WEEK DANCE PROGRAM IN FEMALE ELDERLY

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of an 8wk dance program on orthostatic postural control in elderly. Thirty-four elderly participants were randomly assigned to dance group (DG: n=19; 69.1 ± 6.57 years, 72.5 ± 11.7kg) and control group (CG: n=15; 71.5 ± 7.45 years; 70.9 ± 9.3kg). A force plate was used to measure three dimensional ground reaction force data in three conditions: narrow stance position eyes open and closed and tandem position eyes open, randomly registered over a period of 60 seconds pre and post the intervention. The mean velocity sway and the COP path area were calculated. The results showed that the ballroom dancing program with low/moderate intensity significantly improved balance. Dance would be an optimal activity for an elderly population since it can improve postural control and thus prevent fall incidence.