Enhancing community engagement, public involvement, and social capital through researchers' participation in community dance projects: unexpected outcomes in underserved communities.

BACKGROUND: The Dance and Health project aimed to promote public involvement in health research. Public involvement leads worked with project partner community groups, Aakash Odedra Dance Company and Moving Together, to develop a community engagement project with people living in low-socioeconomic areas/deprivation and diverse ethnic minority groups. Dance and Health included a weekly 60-min dance class and 30 min of facilitated health science discussion, that could either be a public involvement discussion for a research project, an activity about a particular biomedical research theme or ongoing discussions with a visiting researcher. The goal of this paper is to explore the impact of the Dance and Health project on the social capital of participants and provide key learnings on how to engage and build partnerships with people from underserved groups in health research contexts. METHODS: Qualitative interviews and focus groups were completed which explored participant and dance tutor experiences in community venues. Participants were aged between 22 and 90, most were female and were from Asian ethnic minority groups and White British groups living in deprived neighbourhoods in Leicester. Qualitative data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The responses to the Dance and Health project were positive across all the focus groups. Central themes identified were Feedback on the Project, Motivation to Exercise, Criticism of the NHS, Mental Wellbeing, Engagement in a Post Pandemic New Normal, Accessibility and Inclusivity, Empowerment and Building Social Capital. DISCUSSION: The focus groups evidenced that the project had broad impact. Participants expressed empowerment and ownership and described a range of social capital enrichment generated through the project including networks and friendships, access to the institutional resource of health science, and the opportunity to engage with a health and leisure activity that was valued and meaningful.

A research team worked with community dance schools in Leicester to try to get more people from the Asian community and from poorer neighbourhoods involved in research and science. By taking part in the project, people benefitted from an opportunity to exercise and to learn about and influence health research taking place locally. However, the researchers also noticed that there were other benefits to the project. Dancing and learning about health science helped people bond and form new friendships. The researchers joined in, and this helped build friendships and trust between participants and people working in science and research. This is called bridging which is where we bring people together from different groups. The dance sessions made the researchers more approachable and less intimidating, so it was easier to trust them and build friendships. Bridging and bonding are ways of building social capital. Social capital describes the social resources that people can access in their neighbourhoods and communities e.g. facilities (village halls or clubs) and support networks. Researchers delivered focus groups in which participants talked about Feedback on the Project, Motivation to Exercise, Criticism of the NHS, Mental Wellbeing, Engagement in a Post Pandemic New Normal, Accessibility and Inclusivity, Empowerment and Social Capital. This supported the idea that projects where we try to engage with communities can build social capital. This is most likely when projects provide safety and accessibility, (1) and flexibility, a sense of belonging, commitment, communication, being genuine, relevance, sustainability (4).

Enhancing Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Efficacy for Middle-Aged Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence Through Square Dance Integration: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is effectively managed through pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), yet poor adherence often undermines its efficacy. Given square dancing's popularity among middle-aged women, its integration with PFMT could potentially increase patient compliance. This study aims to investigate the impact of a hybrid program combining square dance and PFMT on SUI symptoms, quality of life, and treatment adherence in this demographic. Methods: Seventy-seven female participants from Luoyang were randomly allocated to an intervention group undergoing a 12-week program combining square dancing with PFMT, and two control groups receiving standard health advice or square dancing alone. Outcomes were assessed using subjective urinary incontinence rating, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL), and a PFMT diary for compliance. Satisfaction was scored on a 10-point scale. Results: Participants (mean age: 53.35±5.11 years) did not differ significantly at baseline. Post-intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in SUI symptoms and quality of life compared to both control groups (P < 0.05), with higher compliance (96.54% vs 54.82% in control I) and satisfaction (8.86±0.85). Conclusion: Combining PFMT with square dancing significantly improved SUI symptoms, quality of life, and adherence among middle-aged women. Notably, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions during the 12-week intervention period, the communal and enjoyable nature of square dancing likely contributed to enhanced motivation and satisfaction.

A Chinese Dance Therapy Framework.

Genuine Chinese dance therapy is in the ascendant and psychiatric approaches that involve a broad spectrum of principles such as ontological identity, social inclusion and collective support, aestheticisation and expressive catharsis, symbolic exorcism, trance and Buddhist mindfulness. Its models are based on a wealth of Chinese dance genres originating from various dynasties as well as cultural traditions of ethnic minorities. Due to different epistemological backgrounds of Western diagnostic manuals and traditional Chinese views of mental diseases, complex understanding of pathologies and therapeutic dynamics is needed. Therefore, this opinion piece suggests a theoretical framework that encourages interdisciplinary approaches as well as inclusive transcultural psychiatry and related philosophy of science.

Interpersonal Synchrony in Dance/Movement Therapy: Neural Underpinnings for Individuals with Dementia.

Rising global levels of dementia including Alzheimer's disease call for the treatment of both cognitive and psychosocial deficits of this population. While there is no cure for dementia, the progression can be slowed, and symptoms eased. The positive effects of exercise and dance have been documented as has interpersonal synchrony. Dance/movement therapy uses kinesthetic empathy, attunement, and mirroring to communicate, synchronize, and connect with clients, salient for a population that often struggles with loneliness and isolation. Here I offer a perspective on how dance/movement therapy promotes the social functions and neural underpinning of interpersonal synchrony, possibly providing neuroprotection for this population.

Quality of Life Measures in Young Pre-Professional Dancers Compared to Non-Athletes and Non-Dancer Athletes.

Aim: To investigate quality of life (QoL) measures in a cohort of young female dancers. Methods: Cross-sectional survey study design was utilized to study dancers 8 to 17 years enrolled in two elite dance schools in the Boston area. The main outcome measure was the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL 4.0) questionnaire, a validated QoL survey for children, with established normative values for comparison. Demographics and questions pertaining to training regimens and injury/illness history were also included. Sub-groups (8-11 years, 12-14 years, and 15-17 years) were created to analyze outcomes by age. Results: One hundred and forty emails were delivered, 72 were completed and included in the final data analysis (51.4%). The median scores for physical, psychosocial, emotional, social, and school PedsQL sub-scales were 87.5, 90.0, 80.0, 100.0, and 92.5, respectively. The median score of the total PedsQL scores was 88.8. No difference in QoL outcomes by age group was found (physical: P = .328; psychosocial: P = .918; emotional: P = .673; social: P = .573; school: P = 0.962; total: P = 0.766). 52.5% of the participants responded that they regularly perform in shows. Median hours/week of dance rehearsal was 10 hours (mean ± standard deviation: 10.3 ± 4.9; 95% CI: 9.0, 11.6; IQR: 7.0, 13.5; range: 2.0, 20.0) and 68.9% reported they practice and rehearse throughout the entire calendar year as opposed to solely during the school year; most dancers reported participating in dance 11 months (median value) per year (mean ± standard deviation: 10.7 ± 0.8; 95% CI: 10.5, 11.0; IQR: 10.0, 11.0; range: 9.0, 12.0). Conclusion: QoL measures for young female dancers were higher relative to existing data for the general population and lower compared to other sports participation. These results will support the social, emotional, and physical health of young dancers.

La danza afroecuatoriana: alternativa metodológica para la inclusión de estudiantes con hiperactividad en la Educación Física

Se reconoce que la danza afroecuatoriana es un lazo de conexión con los ancestros y la identidad, y aporta una educación del movimiento que facilita, a su vez, el desarrollo de valores educativos en torno al tratamiento del cuerpo; ello favorece la motivación hacia la práctica de la actividad física continuada. El objetivo de la investigación radica en proponer la danza afroecuatoriana como una alternativa metodológica para la inclusión de estudiantes con hiperactividad y se contextualiza en décimo año, con un total de 35 estudiantes, y una muestra de un estudiante con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad, de la Básica Superior de la Unidad Educativa "José Otilio Ramírez Reina", provincia de Esmeraldas en Ecuador. El estudio, se sustentó en un enfoque cuantitativo-cualitativo y el método dialectico-materialista; se emplearon métodos del nivel teórico como el histórico-lógico y el análisis-síntesis y del nivel empírico el análisis documental, la observación y la encuesta, para interpretar las derivaciones obtenidas en cada etapa que transitó desde el nivel exploratorio, descriptivo, hasta llegar a una explicación del fenómeno investigado. Los resultados revelan el insuficiente reconocimiento de la danza afroecuatoriana para la inclusión de estudiantes con este trastorno, así como la escasa producción científica relacionada con la temática. Del estudio realizado se concluyó que la danza afroecuatoriana constituye una vía expedita para un mejor conocimiento, disfrute y preservación de la identidad, en estos estudiantes.

Reconhece-se que a dança afro-equatoriana é um vínculo de ligação com os ancestrais e a identidade, e proporciona uma educação em movimento que facilita, por sua vez, o desenvolvimento de valores educativos em torno do tratamento do corpo; Isso favorece a motivação para a prática de atividade física continuada. O objetivo da pesquisa consiste em propor a dança afro-equatoriana como alternativa metodológica para a inclusão de alunos com hiperatividade e está contextualizada no décimo ano, com um total de 35 alunos, e uma amostra de um aluno com transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade, da Escola Básica Superior da Unidade Educacional "José Otilio Ramírez Reina", província de Esmeraldas no Equador. O estudo baseou-se na abordagem quanti-qualitativa e no método dialético-materialista; Métodos do nível teórico como histórico-lógico e análise-síntese e do nível empírico, análise documental, observação e levantamento, foram utilizados para interpretar as derivações obtidas em cada etapa que passou do nível exploratório, descritivo, até chegar a uma explicação do fenômeno investigado. Os resultados revelam o insuficiente reconhecimento da dança afro-equatoriana para a inclusão de alunos com esse transtorno, bem como a limitada produção científica relacionada ao tema. Do estudo realizado concluiu-se que a dança afro-equatoriana constitui um caminho expedito para um melhor conhecimento, diversão e preservação da identidade destes alunos.

Afro-Ecuadorian dance is a bond of connection with ancestors and identity, and provides an education in movement that facilitates, in turn, the development of educational values around the treatment of the body; this favors motivation towards the practice of continued physical activity. The objective of the research lies in proposing Afro-Ecuadorian dance as a methodological alternative for the inclusion of students with hyperactivity and is contextualized in the tenth grade, with a total of 35 students, and a sample of a student with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, from the Higher Basic School "José Otilio Ramírez Reina" Educational Unit, province of Esmeraldas in Ecuador. The study was based on a quantitative-qualitative approach and the dialectical-materialist method; methods from the theoretical level such as historical-logical and analysis-synthesis and from the empirical level, documentary analysis, observation and survey, were used to interpret the derivations obtained in each stage that went from the exploratory, descriptive level, until reaching an explanation of the phenomenon investigated. The results reveal the insufficient recognition of Afro-Ecuadorian dance for the inclusion of students with this disorder, as well as the limited scientific production related to the topic. From the study carried out, it was concluded that Afro-Ecuadorian dance constitutes an expeditious route for better knowledge, enjoyment and preservation of identity in these students.

Continuous training in young athletes decreases hepcidin secretion and is positively correlated with serum 25(OH)D and ferritin.

Background: Iron deficiency is known to impair muscle function and reduce athletic performance, while vitamin D has been reported to induce iron deficiency. However, the mechanism underlying exercise-induced changes in iron metabolism and the involvement of vitamins in this mechanism are unclear. The present study examined changes in biological iron metabolism induced by continuous training and the effects of vitamin D on these changes. Methods: Diet, physical characteristics, and blood test data were collected from 23 female high school students in a dance club on the last day of each of a 2-month continuous training period and a 2-week complete rest periods. Results: Serum hepcidin-25 levels were significantly lower during the training period than the rest period (p = 0.013), as were the red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit (all p < 0.001). Serum erythropoietin was significantly higher (p = 0.001) during the training period. Significant positive correlations were observed between 25(OH)D levels and serum iron, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation during the training period. Multiple regression analysis with serum 25(OH)D level as the dependent variable and serum ferritin and iron levels as independent variables during the training period revealed a significant association with serum ferritin. Conclusion: Continuous training may promote hemolysis and erythropoiesis, contributing to the suppression of hepcidin expression. The relationship between serum 25(OH)D and iron in vivo may be closely related to metabolic changes induced by the exercise load.

Associations Between Music and Dance Relationships, Rhythmic Proficiency, and Spatiotemporal Movement Modulation Ability in Adults with and without Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Background: Personalized dance-based movement therapies may improve cognitive and motor function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. While age- and MCI-related deficits reduce individuals' abilities to perform dance-like rhythmic movement sequences (RMS)-spatial and temporal modifications to movement-it remains unclear how individuals' relationships to dance and music affect their ability to perform RMS. Objective: Characterize associations between RMS performance and music or dance relationships, as well as the ability to perceive rhythm and meter (rhythmic proficiency) in adults with and without MCI. Methods: We used wearable inertial sensors to evaluate the ability of 12 young adults (YA; age = 23.9±4.2 years; 9F), 26 older adults without MCI (OA; age = 68.1±8.5 years; 16F), and 18 adults with MCI (MCI; age = 70.8±6.2 years; 10F) to accurately perform spatial, temporal, and spatiotemporal RMS. To quantify self-reported music and dance relationships and rhythmic proficiency, we developed Music (MRQ) and Dance Relationship Questionnaires (DRQ), and a rhythm assessment (RA), respectively. We correlated MRQ, DRQ, and RA scores against RMS performance for each group separately. Results: The OA and YA groups exhibited better MRQ and RA scores than the MCI group (p < 0.006). Better MRQ and RA scores were associated with better temporal RMS performance for only the YA and OA groups (r2 = 0.18-0.41; p < 0.045). DRQ scores were not associated with RMS performance in any group. Conclusions: Cognitive deficits in adults with MCI likely limit the extent to which music relationships or rhythmic proficiency improve the ability to perform temporal aspects of movements performed during dance-based therapies.

The Development and Reliability of an Updated Dance-Specific Star Excursion Balance Test Protocol.

Background: While the previous research has made crucial developments in a dance-specific version of the SEBT, current modifications to the SEBT have not conclusively produced a valid dance-specific dynamic balance test. Purpose: The aim of this paper was to utilize the most practical dance-specific variations from previous research and incorporate them into a reliable test to be considered for future screenings for dancers. Methods: Twenty-one female dancers voluntarily took part in the research (age: 20.86 ± 3.68 years). This protocol consists of 3 stages, each increasing in difficulty; stage one: dsSEBT Average Tempo, stage two: dsSEBT Block, and stage three: a combination of stage 1 and stage 2, the dsSEBT Average Tempo on Block. Reach distance (% of limb length), error scores, and average time to complete each stage were recorded. A stage completion criteria was developed to move from one stage to the next wherein certain reach distance and error score standards needed to be met. Results: Between previous research using the same participants and the current study, each reach direction exhibits a statistically significant correlation (P < .05) with good to excellent ICC values ranging from .750 to .918, suggesting that test-retest reliability is high. Overall, 90.48% of participants succeeded in passing stage one, 19.05% of total participants passed stage two, and only 4.76% of the 21 participants passed all 3 stages with statistically significant differences detected for reach distance and incomplete trials between stages (P < .05). Conclusion: This data suggests that the test is challenging enough to show dancers weaknesses and push the limits of their balance capabilities. With a clear increase in difficulty from stage to stage, the test adds layers of demanding tasks designed to test the dancer proprioceptively.

Exploring the effects of combining health qigong and dance on working memory in middle-aged and elderly women: A preliminary investigation.

OBJECTIVE: Cognitive decline represents a critical clinical and public health issue that adversely affects the quality of life for older patients and their families. This concern was exacerbated by the reduced engagement in outdoor activities among seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic, presenting substantial challenges to aging societies. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of health qigong combined with Tibetan dance on working memory in middle-aged and elderly women, and to determine its potential as a preventive strategy against cognitive disorders. METHODS: A pilot study was conducted to compare the effects of a Health Qigong exercise intervention with those of everyday life and sports routines. The primary outcome measure was working memory assessed using a 2-Back working memory task research paradigm. Between July and September 2021, a total of 33 women were divided into four groups: two middle-aged groups (N = 18, with 8 women in the experimental group and 10 in the control group) and two elderly groups (N = 15, with 7 in the experimental group and 8 in the control group). Participants in the experimental groups underwent a 10-week intervention, consisting of three 60-min sessions per week. Each session included a warm-up, Health Qigong combined with Tibetan dance, and a cool-down. Throughout the study, all participants continued their daily routines. Response times and error rates were analyzed using a mixed-design repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: A simple effects analysis revealed that Health Qigong combined with Tibetan dance significantly enhanced 2-Back response time and error rate in the middle-aged group. In contrast, the 2-Back error rate significantly increased in the elderly control group that did not receive the intervention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Health Qigong demonstrates beneficial effects on middle-aged and elderly women. Combining Health Qigong with dance may serve as a preventive measure against cognitive disorders. This pioneering study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, assesses the new possibility of Health Qigong and dance, with the objective to offer more diverse indoor exercise options for middle-aged and elderly women.

Effects of mind-body therapies on depression among adolescents: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background: Depression poses significant threats to adolescents' health globally. Research has shown the potential of mind-body therapies to alleviate depression, but limited studies have directly compared the therapeutic effects of different types of mind-body therapies on adolescent depression and the optimal therapy remain unclear. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria to explore the effectiveness of different types of mind-body therapies as interventions to improve depression among adolescents, and to identify the most effective interventions. Methods: A comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus up to January 2024 was conducted to assess the impact of mind-body therapies on depression among adolescents. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated using Cochrane Review Manager 5.4. STATA 18.0 was used for network meta-analysis. The node-splitting method was used to test the local inconsistency of the network meta-analysis. Funnel plots and the Egger's test were utilized to assess the potential impact of bias in this study. Result: This network meta-analysis included 9 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 955 subjects. The results indicated that yoga, dance therapy and Tai Chi were more effective than other mind-body therapies in reducing symptoms of depression among adolescents. Specifically, according to the SUCRA ranking, yoga was rated to be the optimal intervention for adolescents with depression (SCURA: 82.2%), followed by dance therapy (SCURA: 77.5%) and Tai Chi (SCURA: 64.9%). Conclusion: This study revealed that mind-body therapies have positive effects on improving depression among adolescents. Yoga may be the most effective intervention among the different types of mind-body therapies. However, due to the small sample size of patients included, the certainty of the results was limited to some extent. Therefore, further investigation is necessary to strengthen the evidence base when more relevant studies become available. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024508774.

Sleep Characteristics in Dance Students Related to Psychological Inflexibility.

Introduction: Dance, as a performance activity, is associated with various problems. Among these challenges, sleep disturbances are notably prevalent. Aims: This study aimed to explore the potential relationship between sleep characteristics-specifically chronotype and subjective sleep quality- and psychological inflexibility in dance students. Methods: This research adopted a cross-sectional design using non-probabilistic sampling. The data were collected in paper format by visiting public conservatories and private academies, and online. One hundred fourteen dance students, with a mean age of 23.87 years, participated in the study. Assessment tools included the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Composite Scale of Morningness. Results: The results revealed that 80.7% of all students reported poor sleep quality, compared to 19.3% who reported good sleep quality. Differences emerged in both subjective sleep quality (F(2, 113) = 4.825, P = .010) and chronotype (F(2, 113) = 6.172, P = .003) when students were grouped according to low, medium, or high levels of psychological inflexibility. Those with low inflexibility, as opposed to those with high inflexibility, report better sleep quality, with no differences observed between medium and high inflexibility groups. Students with high-medium levels of psychological inflexibility showed a higher risk (OR = 6.373 times higher) of experiencing poor sleep quality compared to those with low psychological inflexibility. In terms of chronotype, the low inflexibility group is inclined to be more of a morning type than the medium and high inflexibility groups, with no differences between the latter 2 groups. Students categorized as having low inflexibility tend to have a longer history of dancing under the guidance of a teacher and dedicate more hours and days per week to rehearsal. Conclusion: Conservatories can become "healthy spaces." In this regard, sleep hygiene programs and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy interventions can provide guidance to professionals working with dancers in professional companies and conservatories.

Effects of weight-bearing dance aerobics on lower limb muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women.

Objective: To investigate the effects of 12-week weight-bearing dance aerobics (WBDA) on muscle morphology, strength and functional fitness in older women. Methods: This controlled study recruited 37 female participants (66.31y ± 3.83) and divided them into intervention and control groups according to willingness. The intervention group received 90-min WBDA thrice a week for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained normal activities. The groups were then compared by measuring muscle thickness, fiber length and pennation angle by ultrasound, muscle strength using an isokinetic multi-joint module and functional fitness, such as 2-min step test, 30-s chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, TUG and single-legged closed-eyed standing test. The morphology, strength, and functional fitness were compared using ANCOVA or Mann-Whitney U test to study the effects of 12 weeks WBDA. Results: Among all recruited participants, 33 completed all tests. After 12 weeks, the thickness of the vastus intermedius (F = 17.85, P < 0.01) and quadriceps (F = 15.62, P < 0.01) was significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group, along with a significant increase in the torque/weight of the knee flexor muscles (F = 4.47, P = 0.04). Similarly, the intervention group revealed a significant improvement in the single-legged closed-eyed standing test (z = -2.16, P = 0.03) compared to the control group. Conclusion: The study concluded that compared to the non-exercising control group, 12-week WBDA was shown to thicken vastus intermedius, increase muscle strength, and improve physical function in older women. In addition, this study provides a reference exercise program for older women.

Performative Manipulation of the Environment by Displaying Albert's Lyrebirds.

AbstractWhere dramatic sexual displays are involved in attracting a mate, individuals can enhance their performances by manipulating their physical environment. Typically, individuals alter their environment either in preparation for a performance by creating a "stage" or during the display itself by using discrete objects as "props." We examined an unusual case of performative manipulation of an entire stage by male Albert's lyrebirds (Menura alberti) during their complex song and dance displays. We found that males from throughout the species' range shake the entangled forest vegetation of their display platforms, creating a highly conspicuous and stereotypical movement external to their bodies. This "stage shaking" is performed in two different rhythms, with the second rhythm an isochronous beat that matches the beat of the coinciding vocalizations. Our results provide evidence that stage shaking is an integral, and thus likely functional, component of male Albert's lyrebird sexual displays and so highlight an intriguing but poorly understood facet of complex communication.

Leukocyte-Rich Platelet-Rich Plasma for Osteonecrosis of Sesamoid in a Performing Artist: A Case Report.

Introduction: Sesamoid bones absorb and disperse weight from the metatarsal bones. Sesamoid injuries occur primarily in dancers and runners, with nonoperative management as the first line of treatment. Due to the lack of secondary blood supply, the sesamoids are at risk for osteonecrosis and nonunion fractures. The literature supporting orthobiologics for the treatment of sesamoid injuries is limited. Methods: In this case, a 28-year-old female dancer with sesamoid osteonecrosis underwent a leukocyte-rich platelet-rich plasma (LR-PRP) injection to the fibular sesamoid. Results: The patient reported significant improvement in pain at the 2-month follow-up and returned to regular auditions at the 3-month follow-up. At 2-year follow-up, the patient's symptoms returned to baseline. Conclusion: This is the first known case of sesamoid osteonecrosis treated with LR-PRP. LR-PRP should be considered in the treatment of sesamoid osteonecrosis in those who show limited improvement with standard conservative measures.

A Descriptive Exploration of Heart Rate Response to Live Professional Irish Dance Performance.

Introduction: Research investigating the physiological demands of dance performance has documented exercise intensity and time spent in work and rest; however, available data are across limited dance genres and often use rehearsal or simulated conditions. Real-time data recorded during live performance with an audience are limited. The aim of the study is to provide a detailed description of the physiological demands of live professional Irish dance performance. Method: The entire Irish dance cast of Riverdance participated in the study (n = 24). Approval was granted by the Institutional Research Ethics Committee. Matinee and evening performances on the first day of a tour were examined in a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Heart rate (HR) monitors worn discretely under costumes recorded data every 5-seconds. Video analysis allowed calculation of time spent in work and rest. All descriptive analyses were split by role (troupe/lead) and sex (male/female). Results: Dancers worked at hard/very hard intensities (mean > 72%, peak > 91% HRmax) for ~3 minutes at a time for 3-9 individual dance numbers. There was a high variation in overall demand experienced by individual dancers due to variation in both duration and intensity of on-stage time, dependent upon their role. Mean total on-stage time was 18.18 ± 5.82 minutes, 19.43 ± 5.80 minutes, 29.71 ± 0.62 minutes, 20.00 ± 0.00 minutes for male troupe, female troupe, male lead, and female lead dancers, respectively. Recovery periods were varied in terms of duration, activity undertaken, and HR response. Conclusion: Individual dance numbers within a professional Irish dance show were high intensity for a short duration when considered in isolation, but overall physiological demand experienced by any one dancer across the entire show varied dependent upon their role and off-stage/recovery practices. Future research investigating the physiological demands of dance performance should ensure analysis accounts for the individual dancer's role and should capture the entire show duration in repeated exposures.

Intergenerational Synchrony and Its Effect on Bonding and Group Closeness among Young and Older Adults.

To examine the effect of synchronous dance movements on social bonding and perceived closeness between generations, 168 young (20-45 years) and older (65-90 years) participants were randomly assigned to six dyad conditions. These included dancing synchronously or asynchronously with an in-age-group or out-age-group unfamiliar partner for 11 min. The participants then completed social bonding and group closeness questionnaires. To assess variation across individuals' and dyads' measurements, a generalized estimating equation modeling analysis was conducted. In line with the hypotheses, synchronized dancing increased social bonding, and young adults showed an enhanced perception of closeness between generations. The hypothesis that synchronous dancing with out-age-group members would foster greater perceived closeness compared to in-age-group members was not confirmed. Surprisingly, the results indicated that asynchronous movements with the in-age-group led to a higher degree of closeness between generations than asynchronous movements with the out-age-group. Avenues for future studies on the mechanisms by which intergenerational dance fosters intergenerational bonding and closeness are discussed.

Moving together-benefits of a 12-week online dance training intervention on static and dynamic postural stability and gait speed in older women: an exploratory pre-post study.

Background: Physical inactivity negatively affects gait performance and postural stability in older adults resulting in a higher risk of fall accidents. Previous research has shown that in-person dance training improves various aspects of balance and lower-extremity function, however, little is known about the potential benefits of dance training delivered online on variables used for fall risk stratification in older adults. We aimed to explore the benefits of a 12-week online dance training intervention on static and dynamic postural stability and gait speed in older women. Methods: Forty-five older adults (44 women) were included in this exploratory pre-post study. The 12-week dance intervention consisted of two weekly 60-min classes in contemporary (improvisation) and salsa dance delivered online through Zoom video calls. Static and dynamic postural stability was assessed using the center of pressure (CoP) area and velocity (force platform), and the Mini Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), respectively. 10-m gait speed was measured using photo gates. Before and after comparisons were performed using paired sample t-tests. Results: Thirty-two older women completed the study. There were no significant changes for static postural stability assessed by CoP area or velocity (P ≥ 0.218, Cohen d ≤ 0.234). The Mini-BESTest total score was significantly improved at post-intervention (23.88 ± 3.01) compared to baseline (22.56 ± 1.41, P = 0.007, d = 0.52). 10-m gait speed was significantly faster at post-intervention (1.68 ± 0.25 m/s) compared to baseline (1.57 ± 0.22 m/s, P < 0.001, d = 0.737). Discussion: Although some caution is needed due to the uncontrolled study design, the results indicate that online dance training has a small effect on static postural stability but may be beneficial for gait speed and in particular dynamic postural control among older women. While the absolute increase in gait speed suggests limited clinical relevance, the change in Mini-BESTest score may reflect a clinically meaningful enhancement of dynamic postural control.

Partnered dance evokes greater intrinsic motivation than home exercise as therapeutic activity for chemotherapy-induced deficits: secondary results of a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Introduction: Dance has been proposed to support superior intrinsic motivation over non-dance forms of therapeutic physical activity. However, this hypothesis has yet to be evaluated empirically, particularly among populations living with neuropathology such as survivors of cancer with neurologic complications from chemotherapy treatment. Questions about motivation are relevant to clinical outcomes because motivation mediates neuroplasticity. We conducted this secondary analysis of a randomized-controlled study to begin to investigate the relationships between personal motivation and neurophysiologic effects of dance-based intervention for healthy aging among populations with neurologic complications of cancer. Methods: We measured motivation using the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory, a validated patient-reported outcome from the psychological approach of Self Determination Theory. We assessed intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and satisfaction with intervention within a randomized controlled trial of dance versus exercise designed to alleviate symptoms of chemotherapy-induced impairment. Fifty-two survivors of breast cancer with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy diagnosis and associated sensorimotor functional deficits were randomized (1:1) to 8 weeks of partnered dance or home exercise, performed biweekly (NCT05114005; R21-AG068831). Results: While satisfaction did not differ between interventions, intrinsic motivation was higher among participants randomized to dance than those randomized to exercise (p < 0.0001 at all timepoints: 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 8 weeks of intervention), as was extrinsic motivation at 2 weeks (p = 0.04) and 8 weeks (p = 0.01). Discussion: These data provide evidence that social dance is more motivating than the type of home exercise generally recommended as therapeutic physical activity. The results inform directions for future study of the effect of dance-based therapeutics on embodied agency, neuroplastic changes, and clinically-relevant neuropathic improvement.