Discrepant changes in structure-function coupling in dancers and musicians.

Dance and music are well known to improve sensorimotor skills and cognitive functions. To reveal the underlying mechanism, previous studies focus on the brain plastic structural and functional effects of dance and music training. However, the discrepancy training effects on brain structure-function relationship are still blurred. Thus, proficient dancers, musicians, and controls were recruited in this study. The graph signal processing framework was employed to quantify the region-level and network-level relationship between brain function and structure. The results showed the increased coupling strength of the right ventromedial putamen in the dance and music groups. Distinctly, enhanced coupling strength of the ventral attention network, increased coupling strength of the right inferior frontal gyrus opercular area, and increased function connectivity of coupling function signal between the right and left middle frontal gyrus were only found in the dance group. Besides, the dance group indicated enhanced coupling function connectivity between the left inferior parietal lobule caudal area and the left superior parietal lobule intraparietal area compared with the music groups. The results might illustrate dance and music training's discrepant effect on the structure-function relationship of the subcortical and cortical attention networks. Furthermore, dance training seemed to have a greater impact on these networks.

Impact of Attentional Focus on Dance Performance: A Critically Appraised Topic.

CLINICAL SCENARIO: Dancing is a demanding esthetic activity with dancers having an 85% annual injury incident rate when performing complex dance motor skills. Teachers and clinicians use a combination of external and internal attentional cues when teaching dancers motor skills and when working on rehabilitation programs with injured dancers, respectively. External attentional focus (ie, focusing on movement outcome) reportedly results in superior performance than internal attentional focus (ie, focus on body movements). Interestingly, dancers reportedly often adopt an internal focus when dancing. Still, limited literature exists examining the effects of attentional focus on dancers' performance. CLINICAL QUESTION: How does attentional focus (external or internal) impact performance in dancers? SUMMARY OF KEY FINDINGS: Four original quasi-experimental studies met inclusion criteria. In the current examination, we found mixed results about the impact of attentional focus in dancers. Specifically, using an external attentional focus resulted in better performance in 2 studies, but these findings were limited to lesser experienced dancers. Experienced dancers did not have any physical performance differences when using external or internal focus. Internal focus also did not negatively affect dancers' performance in 2 studies. Some authors noted positive motivational effects (eg, increased perceived competence) when dancers used external focus. CLINICAL BOTTOM LINE: Low-quality evidence exists supporting the notion that in less experienced dance students, external focus improves performance. In experienced dancers, the type of attentional focus did not impact performance. External focus provides positive mental effects. Thus, clinicians working with dancers can integrate individualized feedback according to dancer level, with a preference toward external focus due to positive mental effects, to design optimal training and rehabilitation programs. STRENGTH OF RECOMMENDATION: Grade B evidence exists supporting the notion that an external attentional focus improves performance in less experienced dance students and also has positive mental effects. Internal attentional focus does not impede experienced dancers' performance.

Enhanced neural synchrony associated with long-term ballroom dance training.

Long-term dance training offers numerous benefits, including improvements in physical health, posture, body coordination, and mental health and well-being. Since dance is an art form of body-to-body communication, professional dancers may share feelings and thoughts on dance with their partners, owing to their shared training experiences. Considering this perspective, one may expect that professional dancers would demonstrate pronounced neural similarities when viewing dancing videos, which could be associated with their training duration. To test these hypotheses, we collected functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data while presenting ballroom dancing and neutral video clips with long durations (∼100 s each) to 41 professional ballroom dancers (19 pairs of dance partners) and 39 age- and sex-matched nondancers. Our findings revealed that dancers exhibited broader and stronger neural similarities across the whole brain when watching dancing video clips, as compared to the control group. These increased neural similarities could be interpreted in at least two distinct ways. First, neural similarities in certain brain regions within the motor control circuit (i.e., frontal cortical-basal ganglia-thalamic circuit) were significantly correlated with dance-related information (e.g., dance partners' cooperation duration), which reinforced the impact of long-term dance training on neural synchronization. Second, neural similarities in other brain regions (e.g., memory-related brain regions) were significantly correlated with subjects' impression of the viewed videos (i.e., whether they have watched before, familiarity, and liking), which may not necessarily be directly linked to long-term dance training. Altogether, our study provided solid evidence for synchronized neural mechanisms in professional dancers due to long-term dance training.

A comprehensive Movement and Motion training program improves mobility in Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND: Mobility in Parkinson's disease (PD) is restricted due to impairments in gait and postural control. Although typical dance-based movement programs are beneficial in PD, many did not improve gait which may be due to the nature of the training, limited data, or both. Moreover, the investigation of the effects of a dance program specifically designed for people with PD is scarce. AIMS: To examine the effects of our newly developed, PD-specific, dance-based training program Movement and Motion (M&M), on mobility in people with PD. METHODS: Nineteen participants with mild-to-moderate PD (Hoehn and Yahr score 1-2) participated in a 10-week M&M training program (two 1-h sessions per week). Several quantitative and objective indices of stride-to-stride gait, posture, and range of motion and clinical scores were obtained pre- and post-M&M training. The significance of the changes in these measures after the training was tested using paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test and changes were considered significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Gait velocity, stride length, double support and stance durations, the degree of arm swing, and turning significantly improved after the training. Moreover, the time taken to initiate movement shifts and target reach significantly decreased after the training. In addition, the range of motion at many major joints significantly increased. DISCUSSION: The improvements in the gait, posture, and range of motion measures indicate greater gait stability, posture control, and flexibility, respectively, after M&M training. CONCLUSIONS: The movements involved in M&M training address specific impairments in PD, such as decreased amplitude and speed of movements, increased stiffness, and altered posture control during leaning and reaching. Results indicate that regular practice of PD-specific M&M training can alleviate the targeted impairments and, thus, may lead to improved mobility and quality of life for people with PD.

Cortical and trabecular bone analysis of professional dancers using 3D-DXA: a case-control study.

Given the lack of relevant data, the aim of this study was to examine femur cortical and trabecular bone in female and male professional ballet dancers. 40 professional ballet dancers and 40 sex- and age-matched non-exercising controls volunteered. Femoral bone density was scanned by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. A 3D-DXA software was used to analyse trabecular and cortical bone. Anthropometry, maturation (Tanner staging), menstrual parameters (age at menarche and primary amenorrhea), energy availability and nutritional analysis (3-day record) were also assessed.Compared to non-exercising participants, dancers exhibited significantly higher volumetric density for integral, cortical and trabecular bone, and thicker cortex at the femur. Ballet dancers demonstrated lower body weight compared to controls (p < 0.01). Female dancers had their menarche later than controls, and the prevalence of primary amenorrhea were significantly higher in dancers than controls (p < 0.01). Dancer's energy availability was below the normal range (<30 kcal/kgFFM/day). Despite the presence of certain osteoporosis risk factors such as low energy availability, primary amenorrhoea and lower body weight, professional ballet dancers revealed higher bone density for both cortical and trabecular bone compartments compared to controls.

Dancers Show More Accurate Trunk-Pelvic Joint Angle Reproduction While Wearing a Jacket Augmented With Elastic Bands.

Purpose: The Backalast® compression jacket is intended to improve posture and proprioception of the trunk and shoulder girdle for dancers and dance students during dance training by way of elastic bands in the rear of the garment (which include bands enclosing the inferior thorax). This study was intended to investigate whether there is evidence to support those objectives. Materials and Methods: Fifteen dance students participated (4 male, mean age 19.9 ± 1.4 years old). The dependent variables of trunk-pelvis angle and proximity of trunk axis to global vertical for each participant were measured using optical motion capture before and after the completion of a series of trunk movements. The Helen Hayes model, which we used to represent the trunk, includes the shoulder girdles as part of the trunk. We compared the effect of the type of garment (Backalast® or control compression shirt) worn upon the 2 dependent variables, within-subject with paired t-tests. The order of whether Backalast® or control compression shirt was worn first was alternated between participants. Results: The pre/posttest difference in trunk proprioception as represented by the construct of ability to reproduce trunk-pelvis angle wearing the Backalast® was 0.8° ± 0.8°, but for the control shirt, the difference was 1.8° ± 1.4°, P = .03. The difference between garments in vertical trunk alignment, measured after the series of trunk movements, was not significant. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the Backalast® can help enhance trunk proprioception when compared to the control compression shirt, although it did not change the angle at which the participants' held their trunks while standing erect (proximity to global vertical).

DiADEM-Dance against Dementia-Effect of a Six-Month Dance Intervention on Physical Fitness in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Background: Preserving health and physical fitness is critical to ensure independent living across the lifespan. Lower levels of physical fitness are associated with age-related cognitive decline and a higher prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Thus, this study investigates the influence of a six-month dance intervention on selected measures of physical fitness in older adults with MCI. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 55 patients with MCI were randomized into a sportive dance training (IG; n = 26; age: 70.7 ± 5.6 years; 62% female) or an inactive control group (CG; n = 24; age: 69.1 ± 6.8 years; 46% female). The dance group received two 90 min dance training sessions per week over a duration of six-months, which focused on learning dance movement patterns. During the training sessions, heart rate was measured to control exercise intensity. Physical fitness was assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), lower limb functional fitness via sit-to-stand test, handgrip strength, and heart rate variability (HRV). Results: We observed that the dance intervention preserved the cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) during CPET, which decreased in the CG. Furthermore, participants in the IG demonstrated increases in leg and handgrip strength, although these were not statistically significant. HRV displayed a non-significant decrease following the intervention. Conclusions: The results of this randomized controlled trial suggest that sportive dance training can preserve elements of physical fitness (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness) in older adults with MCI. Although improvements in the other parameters (i.e., leg and handgrip strength) were statistically non-significant, likely due to the small sample size, stabilizing muscular fitness and preventing age-related decline in older adults with MCI is important for maintaining functional independence. For future studies, we recommend a longer training duration paired with precise control of regular physical activity levels, an important confounding factor.

"A Letter of Appreciation and Suggestions: Improving Methodological Rigor and Questionnaire Design in Ballet Dance Injury Research".

Background: The research paper provides valuable insights into the perspectives of adolescent ballet dancers regarding dance-related injuries. The authors' work is commendable, but several methodological improvements could enhance the study's accuracy and reliability. As a researcher with similar interests, I offer suggestions to strengthen the data collection and analysis process. Methods: Original Approach: The study utilized an online survey for data collection, suitable for close-ended questions but less ideal for qualitative research. Suggested Improvements: Data Collection Method: One-on-one interviews, either structured or semi-structured, are recommended to obtain more accurate and in-depth responses.Sample Size: The original sample size of 15-30 participants is appropriate for direct interactions. However, for online surveys, a larger sample size of approximately 246 participants is recommended. This calculation is based on recent findings showing a prevalence rate of 79.8% in full-time and 63.2% in part-time ballet dancers in Australia, using a 95% confidence interval. Questionnaire Design: The original questionnaire was constructed from a literature review. To improve its quality, input from a focus group of experts should be incorporated. A shorter, clearer, and well-structured questionnaire is suggested to minimize bias. Results: By adopting these methodological enhancements, the study could achieve more reliable and comprehensive data. The inclusion of open-ended questions would provide deeper insights into the dancers' experiences and improve the impact and relevance of the research findings. Conclusions: The research paper offers valuable perspectives on dance-related injuries among adolescent ballet dancers. With the proposed methodological improvements, the study can yield more robust and insightful data, contributing significantly to the understanding of injury experiences in this population.

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.

A 6-Week Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment Intervention to Improve Professional Ballet Dancers' Psychological States Around Performance.

Background: Mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches have been trialled in professional sport. The present pilot study was a randomized controlled trial with professional ballet dancers investigating the effectiveness of the Mindfulness-Acceptance-Commitment (MAC) approach, developed for athletes, compared to an education program which included topics relevant to ballet and performance. Methods: Participants included 16 professional ballet dancers (2 men and 14 women) who were randomly assigned into either the MAC or education group for 1 session per week, for 6 weeks. Participants were assessed pre-and post-intervention using the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport (MIS) and the Acceptance Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II). Within 2 weeks of the final mindfulness session, all participants completed a semi-structured interview. Results: No differences were found when comparing the questionnaire responses between pre- and post- intervention, nor between the MAC group and the control group at post intervention for all subscales. Although dancers reported in the interviews that the sessions were valuable, they advised their ability to dedicate time to mindfulness ongoing would be challenging. Conclusions: Mindfulness interventions, as explored in this study, show promise to promote the well-being of professional ballet dancers. For consistent and ongoing mindfulness practice, future designs should seek to embed mindfulness practice into dancer and company schedules.

A study on the impact of systematic desensitization training on competitive anxiety among Latin dance athletes.

Objective: In the domain of competitive events, Latin dance athletes have always suffered competitive anxiety, which is a prevalent and prevailing psychological facet, in pre-, intra-, and post-competitive engagements. Usually, the implementation of systematic desensitization training is an efficacious approach to reduce competitive anxiety levels in routine sports to fortify psychological resilience of athletes (like swimming, volleyball, and basketball). This study focuses on the effect of systematic desensitization training on competition anxiety in the training of Latin dancers to establish good mental ability and promote the competitive ability of athletes. Methodology: The "Sports Competition Anxiety Test Questionnaire" was used to evaluate and classify the competitive anxiety levels of 150 Latin dance athletes. Then, the top 48 participants were selected (24 in the intervention cohort and 24 in the non-intervention cohort) as the study participants after stratifying anxiety score levels from the highest to the lowest. The intervention group was treated with an 8-week psychological intervention by employing systematic desensitization training techniques (encompassing imagery desensitization and in vivo desensitization). The anxiety levels of the subjects were quantified by employing the "Sport Competition Trait Anxiety Inventory" (CCTAI-C) and the "Competitive State Anxiety Inventory" (CSAI-2) to scrutinize the efficacy of systematic desensitization training in regulating competitive anxiety levels among Latin dance athletes. Results: After applying systematic desensitization training, the intervention group displayed a notable reduction in sport cognitive trait anxiety. Specifically, there was a decrease of 29.37% in social evaluation anxiety, 20.31% in competition preparation anxiety, 16.98% in performance anxiety, 25.16% in failure anxiety, 34.47% in opponent's ability anxiety, and 25.16% in injury anxiety. Moreover, for competitive state anxiety, cognitive state anxiety and somatic state anxiety decreased by 39.19 and 21.43%. The state self-confidence increased by 14.42%. Conclusion: The result indicated that systematic desensitization training not only mitigates anxiety but also positively intervenes in sports-related anxiety. Moreover, systematic desensitization training can significantly diminish competitive anxiety among Latin dance athletes to bolster confidence during competitions. Integrating desensitization training into the regular regimen of Latin dance practice has the potential to fortify dancers' psychological resilience against anxiety.

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.

Image analysis and teaching strategy optimization of folk dance training based on the deep neural network.

To improve the recognition effect of the folk dance image recognition model and put forward new suggestions for teachers' teaching strategies, this study introduces a Deep Neural Network (DNN) to optimize the folk dance training image recognition model. Moreover, a corresponding teaching strategy optimization scheme is proposed according to the experimental results. Firstly, the image preprocessing and feature extraction of DNN are optimized. Secondly, classification and target detection models are established to analyze the folk dance training images, and the C-dance dataset is used for experiments. Finally, the results are compared with those of the Naive Bayes classifier, K-nearest neighbor, decision tree classifier, support vector machine, and logistic regression models. The results of this study provide new suggestions for teaching strategies. The research results indicate that the optimized classification model shows a significant improvement in classification accuracy across various aspects such as action complexity, dance types, movement speed, dance styles, body dynamics, and rhythm. The accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores have increased by approximately 14.7, 11.8, 13.2, and 17.4%, respectively. In the study of factors such as different training images, changes in perspective, lighting conditions, and noise interference, the optimized model demonstrates a substantial enhancement in recognition accuracy and robustness. These findings suggest that, compared to traditional models, the optimized model performs better in identifying various dances and movements, enhancing the accuracy and stability of classification. Based on the experimental results, strategies for optimizing the real-time feedback and assessment mechanism in folk dance teaching, as well as the design of personalized learning paths, are proposed. Therefore, this study holds the potential to be applied in the field of folk dance, promoting the development and innovation of folk dance education.

Validity and Reliability of the Pre-Adolescent Dance Injury and Participation Questionnaire (PADIP-Q).

INTRODUCTION: Dancers generally begin training in a variety of styles at a young age. Across ages and levels of participation, dancers are at high risk for injury. Most available injury surveillance tools, however, have been developed for adult populations. Valid, reliable tools that monitor injury and exposure of pre-adolescent dance populations are limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of a dance injury and participation questionnaire specifically for pre-adolescent private studio dancers. METHODS: Four stages of validity and reliability testing assessed a novel questionnaire: initial design based on previous literature, expert panel review, cognitive interviews, and test-retest reliability. The target population was 8 to 12-year-olds who participate in at least 1 class/week at a private studio. Feedback from a panel review and cognitive interviews was incorporated. Test-retest analyses included Cohen's kappa coefficients and percent agreement for categorical variables, and intraclass correlation coefficients [ICCs (3,1)], absolute mean difference (md) and Pearson's correlation coefficients (r) for numerical data. RESULTS: The final questionnaire was comprised of 4 sections: demographics, dance training history, current dance participation (previous 1-year and 4-months), and dance-related injury history (previous 1-year and 4-months). Items with categorical responses estimated kappa coefficients from 0.32 to 1.00, and percent agreement between 81% and 100%. For items with numeric responses, ICC estimates ranged between .14 and 1.00, r values between .14 and 1.00, and the largest absolute md was 0.46. The 4-month recall sections revealed higher agreement than the 1-year sections. CONCLUSION: This valid pre-adolescent dance injury and participation questionnaire demonstrates good to excellent reliability across all items. To support participant completions, assistance from a parent/guardian is suggested. To move dance epidemiology research forward among private studio dancers aged 8 to 12 years, employment of this questionnaire is therefore recommended.

Blood Lactate and Heart Rate Responses Between Active and Passive Recovery Modes Over a 15-Minute Recovery Period in Female Dancers After Kathak Dance.

Introduction: Dance is physically demanding and results in blood lactate (BL) accumulation and elevated Heart Rate (HR). Researchers recommend using either Active Recovery (AR; eg, low-to-moderate intensity-exercise) or Passive Recovery (PR; eg, complete rest) modes after activity. We compared BL and HR responses between AR or PR over a 15-minute recovery period following a Kathak dance. Methods: Twelve female dancers (31.0 ± 6.0 years; 161.5 ± 4.9 cm; 55.5 ± 5.8 kg) performed 2 dance testing sessions (Day 1 = AR, Day 2 = PR) 48 hours apart. Each session started with a 10-minute warm up followed by dancers performing four 2-minute stages of Kathak dance, with three 1-minute periods between stages where we recorded HR and their Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE:scale = 6-20) to match the intensity of both sessions. Post-dance, we recorded dancers' BL and HR at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 15 minutes while they recovered via AR or PR. Separate 2(mode) × (time) Repeated-Measures-ANOVA followed by simple-main-effects testing and adjusted Bonferroni-pairwise-comparisons examined differences in BL and HR responses across modes and time(α = .05). Results: Dancers' HR and RPE were similar across sessions. No mode × time interaction existed in BL (F4,8 = 3.6, P = .06). BL levels were similar across modes (F1,2 = 0.5, P = .5). BL levels reduced over time (F4,8 = 6.0, P = .02), but Bonferroni-comparisons did not reveal any pairwise differences. In HR a significant mode*time interaction (F4,36 = 11.0, P = .01, η2 = .55) was observed. Both Active and Passive recovery modes achieved absolute HR levels by 15 minutes, with PR mode stabilizing within 5 minutes. Conclusions: Over a 15-minute recovery period after Kathak dance, dancers' BL and HR responses were similar across time in both AR and PR, with HR being higher in AR. Dancers' HR remained similar from 1 to 3 minute post dance recovery and then dropped over time. Thus, dancers can rest up to 3 minutes and still maintain the same elevated HR. Overall, dancers can choose either AR or PR as their recovery mode based on their individual preferences.

The Neuroscience of Dance: A Conceptual Framework and Systematic Review.

Ancient and culturally universal, dance pervades many areas of life and has multiple benefits. In this article, we provide a conceptual framework and systematic review, as a guide for researching the neuroscience of dance. We identified relevant articles following PRISMA guidelines, and summarised and evaluated all original results. We identified avenues for future research in: the interactive and collective aspects of dance; groove; dance performance; dance observation; and dance therapy. Furthermore, the interactive and collective aspects of dance constitute a vital part of the field but have received almost no attention from a neuroscientific perspective so far. Dance and music engage overlapping brain networks, including common regions involved in perception, action, and emotion. In music and dance, rhythm, melody, and harmony are processed in an active, sustained pleasure cycle giving rise to action, emotion, and learning, led by activity in specific hedonic brain networks. The neuroscience of dance is an exciting field, which may yield information concerning links between psychological processes and behaviour, human flourishing, and the concept of eudaimonia.

Evaluation of auditory working memory in Bharatanatyam dancers.

Background: Neuroplasticity is a phenomenon exhibited by our nervous system as an indicator of overall development and in response to training, injury/loss of particular function, treatment/drugs and as a result of stimulation from the surrounding environment. Objective: The aim of the current study was to assess the auditory working memory capacities in Bharatanatyam dancers. Method: The participants comprised fifty-four females with normal hearing sensitivity who belonged to two groups. Group-I consisted of 27 individuals who underwent formal training in Bharatanatyam for a minimum period of three years. Group-II consisted of the age-matched control group, consisting of 27 individuals who were non-dancers. The auditory working memory tasks included arranging the English digits presented binaurally in forward, backward, ascending, and descending spans. The maximum values (for the length of sequence arranged), midpoint values (average score), and response time for each task were noted down and compared among groups. Results: The scores were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test, which revealed enhanced working memory exhibited by dancers for maximum values and midpoint scores for all three tasks except ascending span. It was also noted that the dancers exhibited a shorter response time compared to non-dancers for all the tasks except ascending span. Conclusion: The current study highlights an enhanced auditory working memory capacity in Bharatanatyam dancers, which could be perceived as evidence of neuroplastic changes induced in the auditory and motor cortex as a consequence of extensive stimulation for auditory processing abilities and motor planning resulting from long-term dance training and regular practice.

The positive impact of 12 weeks of dance and balance training on the circulating amyloid precursor protein and serotonin concentration as well as physical and cognitive abilities in elderly women.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of 12-weeks dance training with balance training on fall risk, physical and cognitive functions. The study's second aim was to evaluate the association between physical and cognitive functions with circulating markers of neurodegeneration and cognitive impairments in elders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 older women (aged 73.3 ± 4.5) were randomly assigned into three groups: balance training (BG), dance training (DG) and control group (CG). To assess the study aims Time up and go test (TUG), 6 minute walk test (6MWT), determination test (DT), blood amyloid precursor protein (APP) and serotonin concentration were performed. RESULTS: The results showed an improvement in 6MWT (p = 0.0001 for DG and BD), walking speed (p = 0.0001 for DG and BG) and TUG, only for DG (p = 0.0013). The number of correct responses in DT increased in both groups (p = 0.014 and p = 0.005, for DG and BG, respectively). In DG the increase in the total number of reactions was observed (p = 0.013). The improvement in cognitive and physical functions was associated with an increase in APP (p = 0.036 and p = 0.014) and a decrease in serotonin concentrations (p = 0.042 and p = 0.049), respectively in DG and BG. CONCLUSION: Dance training intervention could have more benefits on elders' physical and cognitive functions. However, both trainings may be important factors modifying the concentration of circulating proteins associated with neurodegenerative and cognitive disorders.

Traditional Lègong Dance Training Is Superior to Moderate Aerobic Training on Physical Fitness Improvement Among Young Girls.

BACKGROUND: Légong dance is a famous Balinese dance with a dynamic movement. It potentially becomes an exercise of choice to improve young girls' physical fitness. This study aimed to evaluate légong dance training's effect on physical fitness compared with aerobic training. METHODS: Forty young girls were randomly assigned to the aerobic training (AG) and lègong dance (DG) group and trained with jogging and lègong dancing at moderate-intensity aerobic training. Each was carried out for 30 minutes, 3 times a week, for 6 weeks. RESULT: Aerobic capacity (estimated maximal oxygen consumption) improved significantly in AG and DG, with a mean difference and Cohen d effect size of 0.36 mL/kg/min and 0.68. The back- and leg-muscle strength increased significantly in DG and AG, with a mean difference of 5.55 kg and 6.67 kg, and an effect size of 0.69 and 0.77. Balance improved significantly in DG and AG, with a mean difference of 21.26 seconds and an effect size of 1.05. All significant values are reported at P < .05. There were no significant improvements in arm muscle strength, body fat percentage, and flexibility in either group (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Lègong dance training results in significant physical fitness improvement and better results than aerobic training.

Insights on Ten Weeks of Classical Ballet Training and Postural Stability in Older Adults.

Older adults show an increased risk of falling as they age, but dance interventions of various genres have been shown to improve postural stability in this population. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a ten-week beginning ballet intervention on postural stability for older adults. Eleven participants enrolled in the Dance Group (DG; 73.3 ± 10.6 years) while six enrolled in the Control Group (CG; 69.5 ± 11.9 years) via convenience sample. Following the intervention, no significant differences were seen within the DG from pre-to post-testing or when comparing delta values (post minus pre) between groups in the center of pressure area, displacement, or speed (p > 0.05). While no differences were seen with this intervention, the ballet barre was used for approximately half of each dance class; future ballet interventions for older adults may benefit from training without a barre to enhance potential effects on postural stability.