Dance as a neurorehabilitation strategy: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to demonstrate the benefits of dance-based therapeutic interventions in rehabilitation processes in patients with neurological disorders. METHODS: Searches on the following databases and electronic search engines were conducted: MEDLINE, LILACS, Science Direct, SCOPUS, PeDro, BVS (virtual health library), and Google Scholar. Data extraction was independently performed by two authors. Twenty-five clinical trial-type studies that included dance and established outcome measures were included, and studies in which a musicalized exercise modality was used without the connotation of dance were excluded. RESULTS: From the results of multiple studies, the short-term motor benefits of rhythmic auditory stimulation on gait parameters were highlighted. Furthermore, there was scientific evidence demonstrating the benefits of the cognitive and social parameters of group dancing as significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and processing speed were highlighted. Recent studies showed that interventions based on exercise and/or rhythmic choreography can reduce the risk of falls in patients with neurological disorders, thereby improving their quality of life. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that dance is an innovative and effective method that can be included in therapies as it allows for a promising prognosis in motor, cognitive, and social performances of patients with neurological disorders that alter mobility and quality of life.

Dance sports influence female university students' physical health in ethnic universities / Influência da dança esportiva sobre a saúde física das universitárias em universidades étnicas / Influencia de la danza deportiva en la salud física de las estudiantes en universitarias étnicas

ABSTRACT Introduction Ensuring healthy growth with high cultural quality in the population is an important part of Chinese revitalization. University students, as a group of high cultural quality, have the mission and responsibility entrusted by the state and the people. It is believed that these goals can be achieved by using sports dance, which has a wide range and high demands; dancers should have motor skills, physical qualities, understanding of the art of dress, and psychological balance as basic requirements. Objective To test and evaluate whether sports dance activities in physical education students are conducive to promoting students' healthy physical development. Methods This paper examines the influence of teaching sports dance on the physical health of female college students in Ethnic Colleges and its countermeasures. It also discusses the strategies for teaching sports dance to provide viable suggestions for follow-up dance instruction. Conclusion The combination of sports and femininity in exercise has a good fitness effect, improves the artistic feelings of college women, and is conducive to the healthy development of the physical quality of college women. Level of evidence III; Analysis based on alternatives and limited costs.

RESUMO Introdução Garantir o crescimento saudável com alta qualidade cultural na população é parte importante da revitalização chinesa. Estudantes universitários, como um grupo de alta qualidade cultural, possuem a missão e responsabilidade confiada pelo Estado e pelo povo. Acredita-se que essas metas possam ser alcançadas utilizando a dança esportiva, que tem um vasto leque e altas exigências nesse sentido, os dançarinos devem ter habilidades motoras, qualidades físicas, compreensão na arte de vestuário e equilíbrio psicológico, como requisitos básicos. Objetivo Testar e avaliar se as atividades de dança esportiva nos alunos de educação física são propícias na promoção do desenvolvimento físico saudável dos alunos. Métodos Este artigo analisa a influência do ensino de dança esportiva sobre a saúde física de universitárias em Faculdades Étnicas e suas contramedidas. Também se discute as estratégias de ensino da dança esportiva, a fim de fornecer sugestões viáveis para o ensino de dança de acompanhamento. Conclusão A combinação de esportes e feminilidade no exercício tem um bom efeito de aptidão física, melhora os sentimentos artísticos das universitárias e é propício ao desenvolvimento saudável da qualidade física das Universitárias. Nível de evidência III; Análises baseadas em alternativas e custos limitados.

RESUMEN Introducción Garantizar un crecimiento saludable con una alta calidad cultural en la población es una parte importante de la revitalización de China. Los universitarios, como grupo de alta calidad cultural, tienen la misión y la responsabilidad encomendadas por el Estado y el pueblo. Se cree que estos objetivos pueden alcanzarse mediante el uso de la danza deportiva, que tiene una amplia gama y altas exigencias en este sentido, los bailarines deben tener habilidades motoras, cualidades físicas, la comprensión en el arte de vestir y el equilibrio psicológico como requisitos básicos. Objetivo Comprobar y evaluar si las actividades de danza deportiva en los estudiantes de educación física favorecen el desarrollo físico saludable de los alumnos. Métodos Este trabajo analiza la influencia de la enseñanza de la danza deportiva en la salud física de las estudiantes universitarias de los colegios étnicos y sus contramedidas. También se analizan las estrategias de enseñanza de la danza deportiva con el fin de ofrecer sugerencias viables para el seguimiento de la enseñanza de la danza. Conclusión La combinación de deporte y feminidad en el ejercicio tiene un buen efecto de aptitud física, mejora los sentimientos artísticos de las universitarias y favorece el desarrollo saludable de la calidad física de las universitarias. Nivel de evidencia III; análisis basado en alternativas y costes limitados.

Research on the application of sport dance in colleges and universities in the healthy development of sports / Pesquisa sobre a aplicação da dança esportiva nas universidades no desenvolvimento saudável dos esportes / Estudio sobre la aplicación de la danza deportiva en las universidades en el desarrollo saludable de los deportes

ABSTRACT Introduction: Immunity is closely related to health. When the body's immunity is strong, it is healthy. On the contrary, various diseases appear. Sports dance is an entertainment and fitness sports project that integrates sports, music, aesthetics, and dance, the body movement dance as the necessary content and two-person or collective exercises as the primary form of exercise. Studies have shown that long-term adherence to Tai Chi exercise can significantly increase the serum immunoglobulin IgA, IgG, and IgM levels. Objective: The paper explores the effect of physical dance exercise on serum immunoglobulin and T lymphocyte subsets of college students. Methods: The thesis randomly selected 16 male and female students in the first-grade physical dance optional course of public physical education as the experimental group. They performed physical dance exercises three times a week, 40 minutes each time, and the training intensity was controlled at a heart rate of 135-150 beats/min. Ten weeks; besides, 16 male and female students in the first grade were selected as the control group, and no physical dance exercise was performed; all the subjects were drawn from the elbow venous blood on an empty stomach at the same time before and after the experiment to measure serum immunoglobulin and T lymph Cell subpopulation content. Results: After ten weeks of sports dance training, the serum immunoglobulin IgG of both men and women in the experimental group increased significantly (P<0.01), and the CD4+% and CD4+/CD8+ ratio of T lymphocyte subgroups showed extremely significant and significant increases (P <0.01, P<0.05), serum IgM tended to increase, IgA, CD8+% tended to decrease, but there was no significant change. Conclusions: Long-term physical dance exercise can improve the body's immune function. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: la inmunidad está estrechamente relacionado con la salud. Cuando la inmunidad del cuerpo es fuerte éste está sano. En caso contrario, aparecen diversas enfermedades. La danza deportiva é um projeto de entretenimiento y fitness que integra el deporte, la música, la estética y la danza, el movimiento corporal como contenido necesario y los ejercicios de das personas ou colectivos como forma principal de ejercicio. Los estudios han demonstraram que a adesão a largo plazo al ejercicio de Tai Chi pode aumentar também os niveles séricos de imunoglobulina IgA, IgG e IgM. Objetivo: O artigo explora o efeito do exercício físico de danza em subconjuntos de imunoglobulina sérica e linfocitos T de estudiantes universitários. Métodos: Para que a tese seja selecionada aleatoriamente, 16 ex-alunos e ex-alunos do curso optativo de danza física de primer grado de educação física pública como grupo experimental. Realizaron ejercicios de danza física tres veces por semana, 40 minutes cada vez, y la intensidad del entrenamiento se controló a una frecuencia cardíaca de 135-150 latidos/min. durante as semanas; además, se selecionar 16 alumnos y alumnas de primer grado como group de control, el que no realizó ningún ejercicio físico de danza. A todos os sujetos se les extrajo sangre venosa del codo com o estómago vacío, durante, antes e depois do experimento para medir o conteúdo da subpoblación de células T y de imunoglobulina sérica. Resultados: Después de diez semanas de entrenamiento de danza deportiva, la imunoglobulina IgG sérica de hombres y mujeres en el grupo experimental aumentó complementar (P <0,01), y la proporción CD4 +% y CD4 +/CD8 + de los subgrupos de linfocitos T mostró incrementos extremadamente provados. (P <0,01,P <0,05), la IgM sérica tendió a aumentar, la IgA, CD8 +% tendió a disminuir, mas nenhum hubo cambio projetado. Conclusiones: El ejercicio de danza física a largo plazo puede mejorar la función inmunológica del cuerpo. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los results del tratamiento.

RESUMEN Introducción: la inmunidad está estrechamente relacionada con la salud. Cuando la inmunidad del cuerpo es fuerte éste está sano. En caso contrario, aparecen diversas enfermedades. La danza deportiva es un proyecto de entretenimiento y fitness que integra el deporte, la música, la estética y la danza, el movimiento corporal como contenido necesario y los ejercicios de dos personas o colectivos como forma principal de ejercicio. Los estudios han demostrado que la adherencia a largo plazo al ejercicio de Tai Chi puede aumentar significativamente los niveles séricos de inmunoglobulina IgA, IgG e IgM. Objetivo: El artículo explora el efecto del ejercicio físico de danza en subconjuntos de inmunoglobulina sérica y linfocitos T de estudiantes universitarios. Métodos: Para la tesis se seleccionaron aleatoriamente a 16 alumnos y alumnas del curso optativo de danza física de primer grado de educación física pública como grupo experimental. Realizaron ejercicios de danza física tres veces por semana, 40 minutos cada vez, y la intensidad del entrenamiento se controló a una frecuencia cardíaca de 135-150 latidos/min. durante diez semanas; además, se seleccionaron 16 alumnos y alumnas de primer grado como grupo de control, el que no realizó ningún ejercicio físico de danza. A todos los sujetos se les extrajo sangre venosa del codo con el estómago vacío, durante, antes y después del experimento para medir el contenido de la subpoblación de células T y de inmunoglobulina sérica. Resultados: Después de diez semanas de entrenamiento de danza deportiva, la inmunoglobulina IgG sérica de hombres y mujeres en el grupo experimental aumentó significativamente (P <0.01), y la proporción CD4 +% y CD4 + / CD8 + de los subgrupos de linfocitos T mostró incrementos extremadamente significativos. (P <0.01, P <0.05), la IgM sérica tendió a aumentar, la IgA, CD8 +% tendió a disminuir, pero no hubo cambios significativos. Conclusiones: El ejercicio de danza física a largo plazo puede mejorar la función inmunológica del cuerpo. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos: investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Biodanza as a Nonpharmacological Dance Movement-Based Treatment in Older People With Alzheimer's Disease: An Italian Pilot Study in 2 Tuscan Nursing Homes.

The aim of this pilot, feasibility study was to assess health improvements in 16 institutionalized older people with Alzheimer's disease, after the Biodanza intervention, a nonpharmacological dance movement-based treatment. Biodanza significantly decreased agitated and neuropsychiatric behaviors. Effectiveness studies will be performed in order to assess the implication of such interventions.

Exercise with TENS does not augment gains in balance and strength for dancers.

Electrical stimulation modulates sensory feedback and improves motor performance, at least for individuals with compromised sensorimotor function. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a 4-wk intervention with transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) at improving strength and balance in dancers. Nineteen dancers completed a timed, single-leg balance test, the Y-balance test, and contractions with the hip flexor and knee extensor muscles to assess maximal strength and force steadiness. They completed 4-wks of moderate-intensity bodyweight exercises (3x/wk) and were pseudo-randomized to either a Treatment or Sham group in a single-blind design. The Treatment group received constant TENS over the hamstring muscles during the exercises, whereas the Sham group was exposed to a brief TENS current. The data were pooled due to few significant between-group differences from before to after the intervention. Most outcome measures significantly improved: hip extensor muscles were stronger (P ≤ 0.01), time stood on a single-leg with eyes closed increased (P = 0.02), and the distance reached during the Y-balance test increased (P ≤ 0.001). The improvement in scores on the Y-balance test exceeded the minimal clinically significant change. Twelve sessions of moderate-intensity bodyweight exercises improved muscle strength and balance in experienced dancers. The addition of TENS, however, did not augment the gains in function.

Effects of dancing on physical activity levels of children and adolescents: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Dancing has been suggested to increase the levels of physical activity of the youth. However, it is not clear what are the physiological characteristics of the dance classes for young people, mainly regarding the levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during classes. It is also unclear if regular engagement in dance practices can contribute with increases in the amounts of daily/weekly MVPA, recommended by health organizations. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review verifying the amount of time spent at MVPA (primary outcome), by children and adolescents in the following situations: i) During dance classes, and ii) Before and after dance interventions. Secondary outcomes included: markers of exercise intensity during class, such as oxygen consumption (VO2) and heart rate (HR); VO2peak and lipid profile before and after dance interventions. METHODS: Six data sources were accessed (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Wiley, PEDRO and SCOPUS). Study selection included different designs (acute, cohort, randomized controlled trials and others). Participants were from 6 to 19 years old, regularly engaged in dance practices. Methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Two independent reviewers extracted characteristics and results of each study. RESULTS: 3216 articles were retrieved, and 37 included. Studies indicated that dance classes do not achieve 50% of total class time at MVPA. However, there are peaks of HR and VO2 during dance classes, which reach moderate and vigorous intensities. MVPA/daily/weekly did not improve before and after dance interventions for most of the studies, also VO2peak did not. The few results on lipid profile showed improvements only in overweight and obese participants. LIMITATIONS: Lack of meta-analysis, because there were not enough articles to be analyzed on any given outcome of interest, neither under the same study design. CONCLUSIONS: Results of individual studies indicated that dance classes did not active 50% of the total time at MVPA levels. This may be related to the absence of improvements in daily/weekly MVPA before and after dance interventions. VO2 and HR attained peaks of moderateto vigorous intensity during dance classes, suggesting that the structure of the classes may be manipulated to maintain longer periods at MVPA levels. Lack of data on cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic outcomes limit conclusions on these parameters. IMPLICATIONS OF KEYS FINDS: Considering there are peaks of HR and VO2 during dance classes, we suggest that the structure of a dance class can be manipulate in order to induce cardiorespiratory and metabolic adaptations. Thus, dancing is a potential strategy to contribute with a healthy life style since the earliest ages. Prospero registration: CRD42020144609.

Dietary Intake, Body Composition, and Nutrition Knowledge of Irish Dancers.

Irish dance requires lengthy, intensive training to perform at a high level in competitions and professionally. Irish dancers have been known to have high injury rates. Appropriate nutrient and fluid intakes have been shown to minimize the risk of fatigue and injury during training and performance in sport, but there is a lack of evidence as to whether and how this might apply in Irish dance. Forty adult Irish dancers, 35 females (age 21 ± 3 years) and five males (aged 27 ± 8 years), professionals or in full time training, were recruited for this study to investigate nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, and body composition. Participants were asked to complete "The Sport Nutrition Questionnaire," a sport- and dance-specific nutrition knowledge questionnaire, 4 day estimated food diaries, and under-take a dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan to assess body composition. Food diaries were analyzed using Dietplan 7. Reported energy, fiber, iron (females), magnesium (females), selenium, iodine (females), and folate (females) intakes were below United Kingdom dietary reference values. Fruit and vegetable intakes were low: 2.7 ± 1.4 portions per day. Sixteen percent of days reported contained no fruits or vegetables. Mean body mass index (BMI) for 35 female participants was 23.2 ± 3.3 kg/m², mean BMI for five male participants was 22.2 ± 1.6 kg/m². Mean body fat measured by DXA in 18 female participants was 33.4% ± 6.9%, which was higher than seen in other dance populations. Mean lean mass was 40.8 ± 5.6 kg. Mean score for the nutrition knowledge questionnaire in which the maximum score is 65, was 30.5 ± 7.6 (47% ± 11.7%), range: 9 to 44 (14% to 68%). The ability of the Irish dancers to correctly identify foods as being high or low in carbohydrate, protein, and fat varied widely. Body composition did not correlate with intake of any nutrient but did correlate with nutrition knowledge questionnaire score (r = -.663, p < 0.001). Given the dietary intakes and nutrition knowledge exhibited by the dancers in this study, further work is needed to inform and improve diets and support the demands of Irish dance.

Can Samba and Forró Brazilian rhythmic dance be more effective than walking in improving functional mobility and spatiotemporal gait parameters in patients with Parkinson's disease?

BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) causes motor and nonmotor disorders in patients. Unlike aerobic training, potential adaptations from the practice of dance are less understood in PD, particularly compared with better known exercise modes. This study aimed to verify and compare the effects of a Brazilian dance program, inspired by Samba and Forrró rhythms, and a walking program on functional mobility and spatiotemporal gait parameters in patients with PD. METHODS: Eighteen participants with PD were divided into a dance group (DG) and a walking group (WG) and were assessed before and after an intervention period of 24 1-h sessions, performed twice per week for 12 weeks. The timed-up-and-go test (TUG) and walking kinematics at self-selected speed (SSS) and fast speed (FS) were determined. The generalized estimating equation method was used to compare the DG and WG pre- and post-intervention and to evaluate the group*time interaction (α <  0.05). RESULTS: Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement in TUG test at SSS (p = 0.02; effect size [ES] = 0.42) and FS (p = 0.02; ES = 0.24). In general, spatiotemporal parameters remained unchanged, except at SSS, in which the DG increased the stride frequency (p = 0.011; ES = 0.72). At FS, the swing time demonstrated a significant group*time interaction (p <  0.001; ES = 1.10), in which the two groups exhibited different behaviors: DG decreased (p = 0.015) and WG increased (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Functional mobility improved similarly in both groups. The results suggest that a 12-week program of Brazilian dance was sufficient to produce improvements in functional mobility and gait in individuals with PD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is registered with the International Clinical Trial Registry under number NCT03370315 . Registered December 28, 2017 - Retrospectively registered.

Effects of Dance/Movement Training vs. Aerobic Exercise Training on cognition, physical fitness and quality of life in older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: It is generally accepted that physical activity promotes healthy aging. Recent studies suggest dance could also benefit cognition and physical health in seniors, but many styles and approaches of dance exist and rigorous designs for intervention studies are still scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Dance/Movement Training (DMT) to Aerobic Exercise Training (AET) on cognition, physical fitness and health-related quality of life in healthy inactive elderly. METHODS: A single-center, randomized, parallel assignment, open label trial was conducted with 62 older adults (mean age = 67.48 ±â€¯5.37 years) recruited from the community. Participants were randomly assigned to a 12-week (3x/week, 1hr/session) DMT program, AET program or control group. Cognitive functioning, physical fitness and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline (T-0), and post-training (T-12 weeks). RESULTS: 41 participants completed the study. Executive and non-executive composite scores showed a significant increase post-training (F(1,37) = 4.35, p = .04; F(1,37) = 7.01, p = .01). Cardiovascular fitness improvements were specific to the AET group (F(2,38) = 16.40, p < .001) while mobility improvements were not group-dependent (10 m walk: F(1,38) = 11.67, p = .002; Timed up and go: F(1,38) = 22.07, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that DMT may have a positive impact on cognition and physical functioning in older adults however further research is needed. This study could serve as a model for designing future RCTs with dance-related interventions. REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials. gov Identifier NCT02455258.

Effect of Senior Dance (DanSE) on Fall Risk Factors in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Older people's participation in structured exercise programs to improve balance and mobility is low. Senior Dance is an alternative option, as it may provide a safe and fun way of targeting balance. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate the effect of Senior Dance on balance, mobility, and cognitive function compared with a control intervention. DESIGN: The study was a randomized controlled trial. SETTING/PATIENTS: Eighty-two community-dwelling older people aged 60 years or over and cognitively intact were recruited in Brazil. INTERVENTION: Participants were randomly allocated to 2 groups: Dance plus education (intervention group) and education alone (control group). The Senior Dance program consisted of 12 weeks of twice-weekly group-based dance classes. Participants in both groups attended a single 1-hour educational session on prevention of falls. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was single-leg stance with eyes closed. Secondary outcomes were timed sit-to-stand test, standing balance test, timed 4-m walk, and cognitive function tests, for example, Trail Making Test and Montreal Cognitive Assessment. RESULTS: Of the 82 participants randomized, 71 (87%) completed the 12-week follow-up. Single-leg stance with eyes closed (primary outcome) improved in the Senior Dance group (mean difference [MD] = 2.3 seconds, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1 to 3.6) compared with the control group at follow-up. Senior Dance group performed better in the standing balance tests (MD = 3.7 seconds, 95% CI = 0.6 to 6.8) and were faster in the sit-to-stand test (MD = - 3.1 seconds, 95% CI = -4.8 to -1.4) and 4-m walk test (MD = -0.6 seconds, 95% CI = -1.0 to -0.1). There were no significant between-group differences for cognitive function tests. LIMITATIONS: Participants and therapists were not blinded. CONCLUSION: Senior Dance was effective in improving balance and mobility but not cognitive function in community-dwelling older people.

Therapeutic Dancing for Frail Older People in Residential Aged Care: A Thematic Analysis of Barriers and Facilitators to Implementation.

BACKGROUND: Adults who live in residential aged care can have reduced participation in physical activities and sit for prolonged periods. Therapeutic dancing aims to optimize movement, creative expression, well-being, and social interaction. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the benefits, challenges, and facilitators to implementing therapeutic dancing in residential aged care. METHODS: Thematic analysis of semistructured interviews of residential aged care staff and therapists. Interviews were digitally audio-recorded and thematically analyzed. Findings: Four main themes were identified: (a) despite frailty, dancing classes afforded motor and nonmotor benefits, (b) music and dance genre selections were key to success, (c) the skills of the dance instructor were associated with successful outcomes, and (d) there were modifiable and nonmodifiable facilitators and barriers to implementation. CONCLUSION: Enablers included support from management, resident supervision, age-appropriate music with a strong rhythmical beat, and a dance instructor skilled in comprehensive care. Barriers included multimorbidity, frailty, severe cognitive impairment, and funding.

Effects of dance intervention on global cognition, executive function and memory of older adults: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and assess the effects of dance intervention on global cognition, executive function and memory in older adults. METHODS: We searched the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Clinical Trials.Gov and four Chinese databases (CNKI, CBM, Wan Fang Data and VIP) to identify articles written in English or Chinese and published until April 2018. Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experiment were included if they evaluated the impact of dance on cognition, and individuals aged 60 and over. RESULTS: Thirteen studies with a total of 1605 participants met the inclusions criteria. Our primary outcomes of interest are cognitive functions and are categorized into three cognitive domains: (1)Global cognition: meta-analyses for outcome related to global cognition indicated a large effect size. In the subgroup of using MMSE, results indicated a significant effect for dance on cognition [MD = 1.57, 95% CI (0.53, 2.61), p = 0.003; I2 = 62%], in the subgroup of using SCEF, effect sizes was statically significant and no heterogeneity between studies [MD = 33.25, 95% CI (30.94, 35.56), p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%]. (2)Executive functioning domain: meta-analyses revealed that there were no significant differences between the two groups in measures of executive function after the one study with a low-quality score was excluded [SMD = 0.13, 95% CI (- 0.02, 0.27), p = 0.09; I2 = 0%]. (3)Memory domain: quantitative analysis showed that dance may benefit memory function in older adults. However, in our review, dance was more effective for elderly cognitions than exercise may be not support. CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis and systematic review suggest that dance may be a safe and effective approach to improve cognitive function in older adults.

Dance and Parkinson's: A review and exploration of the role of cognitive representations of action.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative condition that causes both sensorimotor and non-motor impairments, and there is a clear need for non-medical approaches to improve quality of life. Dance is an increasingly popular activity among people with PD, which demonstrates potential therapeutic benefits. However, findings to date have been inconsistent, and little is known about the mechanisms underlying benefits of dance in PD. In this review, we provide an overview of research into dance for people with PD. The majority of quantitative evidence is in the sensorimotor domain, but cognitive, psychological and social effects have also been reported. We consider the role of cognitive representations of action within dance through observation, imitation and imagery, which may contribute to both sensorimotor and non-motor outcomes for people with PD. Moreover, we discuss how these processes may be enhanced through dance to provide further benefits in everyday life. Finally, we propose avenues for future research to increase understanding of action representation in dance for PD, which has the potential to inform practice and maximize benefits.

Effect of yoga combined with aerobic exercise intervention on morphological and blood lipid indicators in female college students.

BACKGROUND: Regular aerobic exercise can effectively increase microvascular function in skeletal muscle and promote the oxidation of fatty acids. However, whether the effect of aerobic exercise intervention is affected by fat content is worth of further exploration. In this study, by means of yoga combined with exercise, the authors explored the effect of aerobic exercise on morphology and blood lipids in female college students. METHODS: A total of 81 female college students who voluntarily participated in this study were enrolled by Body Mass Index (BMI) obtained from the physical examination when entering the school. The participants were assigned to normal (BMI: 20.98±1.52 kg/m2, N.=29), overweight (BMI: 25.57±1.34 kg/m2, N.=27), and obesity (BMI: 28.46±2.36 kg/m2, N.=25) groups by BMI, and all of them completed a 12-week Yoga combined with aerobic exercise training program. Relevant morphological such as body weight, body height, waist circumference, hip circumference, etc. and blood lipid indicators such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were measured before and after training. One-way ANVOA, paired-sample t-test were used in this study. RESULTS: After training program, the results indicated that: 1) the hip, body weight, BMI and body fat percentage in all three groups significantly decreased; 2) waist circumference in normal and obesity groups had a significant change than that in overweight group, hip circumference and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in overweight group were better than those in normal and overweight groups; the decrease in BMI in overweight and obesity groups was significantly greater than that in normal group, and the weight loss and decreased body fat percentage in obesity group were the highest, followed by overweight group, and the smallest in normal group; 3) in all three groups, HDL-C significantly increased, LDL-C, TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C significantly decreased, TC and TG significantly decreased in obesity group; and 4) TC/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C in obesity group were significantly higher than those in normal and overweight groups, while change in TC and TG were the highest in obesity group, the second the overweight group, and the lowest in normal group. CONCLUSIONS: Twelve-week yoga combined with aerobic exercise training has a significant positive effect on morphological and blood lipid indicators in female college students. The yoga combined with aerobic exercise training can be recommended for young women with overweight and obesity population.

The Effects of 12 Weeks of a Combined Exercise Program on Physical Function and Hormonal Status in Elderly Korean Women.

Aging causes a decline in physical function and hormonal balance. Exercise can improve these parameters. However, the beneficial effects of a combined exercise program (Korean dance and yoga) on physical function and hormonal status in elderly women remain unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of a 12-week combined exercise program on balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and hormonal status in elderly Korean women. Twenty-five healthy elderly women were recruited and randomly divided into the control (CON) and exercise (EXE) groups. The EXE group underwent the combined exercise program (60 min/day and 3 times/week) for 12 weeks. The two groups did not differ in body weight, lean body mass, fat mass, body fat percentage, or body mass index at baseline or in the changes following the experimental conditions. A significant time × group interaction was detected for anterior and posterior dynamic balance, static balance, and growth hormone (GH). After the combined exercise program, anterior dynamic balance, posterior dynamic balance, static balance, flexibility, muscle strength, GH, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, and estrogen significantly increased in the EXE group compared to the CON group. In conclusion, the combined exercise program contributed to improvements in overall health, including physical function and hormonal status, in elderly Korean women.

Self-Directed Oral Vitamin D Supplementation in Professional Ballet Dancers: A Randomized Controlled Trial Pilot Study.

Inadequate levels of vitamin D may lead to poor performance in professional dancers. Therefore, dietary supplementation may be essential in this population. This longitudinal pilot study to a randomized controlled trial assessed dancer compliance with self-directed oral vitamin D supplementation. Seventy-one dancers, 41 females and 30 males with a mean age of 31.1 years, were recruited from The Royal Ballet, London. Baseline serum 25(OH)D levels were measured and dancers were interviewed, examined, and provided with oral supplements for the winter period, November 2011 to March 2012. Dancers with normal serum 25(OH)D levels were provided with maintenance supplements (1,000 IU/ day) and those with insufficient or deficient serum 25(OH)D levels were given a loading dose of 60,000 IU weekly for 2 and 6 weeks, respectively. Serum 25(OH) D levels were measured at 1 and 2 years and dancers were sampled for compliance with instructions. Mean compliance during loading and maintenance was 86% and 50%, respectively. Mean serum 25(OH)D levels at start and end of the study period were 79.3 ± 31.6 nmol/L and 78.68 ± 19.8 nmol/L, respectively. Only one-third of dancers with insufficient (N = 5) and deficient (N = 5) serum vitamin D levels improved to normal values. It is concluded that professional ballet dancers demonstrate good compliance with self-directed loading doses of vitamin D supplementation but poor compliance with maintenance doses. Poor maintenance compliance may have accounted for the low rates of serum vitamin D level improvement among dancers with insufficient or deficient levels.

Effects of auditory rhythm on movement accuracy in dance performance.

The present study addresses the impact of the rhythmic complexity of music on the accuracy of dance performance. This study examined the effects of different levels of auditory syncopation on the execution of a dance sequence by trained dancers and exercisers (i.e., nondancers). It was hypothesized that nondancers would make more errors in synchronizing movements with moderately and highly syncopated rhythms while no performance degradation would manifest among trained dancers. Participants performed a dance sequence synchronized with three different rhythm tracks that were regular, moderately syncopated, and highly syncopated. We found significant performance degradation when comparing conditions of no syncopation vs. high syncopation for both trained dancers (p = .002) and nondancers (p = .001). Dancers and nondancers did not differ in how they managed to execute the task with increasing levels of syncopation (p = .384). The pattern of difference between trained dancers and nondancers was similar across the No Syncop and Highly Syncop conditions. The present findings may have marked implications for practitioners given that the tasks employed were analogous to those frequently observed in real-life dance settings.

Visual motor imagery predominance in professional Spanish dancers.

Purpose: The main objectives of the study were to analyse the predominant motor imagery modality used by professional Spanish dancers and to compare Spanish dancers' ability to perform mental motor imagery with that of non-dancers, and to analyse differences between male and female dancers. As a secondary aim, to compare the motor imagery ability between two styles of Spanish dance: classical Spanish dancers and Flamenco dancers. Methods: A total of 74 participants were classified into two groups: professional Spanish dancers (n = 37) and sedentary participants (n = 37). The professional Spanish dancer group was composed of two dance disciplines: flamenco dancers (n = 17), and classical dancers (n = 20). Results: Professional Spanish dancers used predominantly visual imagery modalities over kinesthetics to generate motor imagery, with a moderate effect size (p < .01, d = 0.68). Regarding the ability to generate motor imagery, significant intergroup differences between professional Spanish dancers and sedentary participants were observed in all variables, with a large effect size (p < .05, d > 0.80). Differences were obtained between men and women among non-dancers group (t = -3.34; p = .03; d = 0.5). No differences between Flamenco and classical dancers were observed. Conclusion: Visual motor imagery modality was easier than the kinaesthetic modality in the generation of motor imagery for professional Spanish dancers regardless of the dance style. Spanish dancers had a greater ability to perform motor imagery compared with non-dancer individuals, needing less time to perform these mental tasks. Men non-dancers had a greater ability to generate motor imagery than women. Reinforcing the training of kinaesthetic motor imagery might be useful for professional Spanish dancers.

Immediate effects of ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation versus physical exercise on performance of the flexor hallucis longus muscle in professional dancers: a randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous neuromodulation (US-guided PNM) is a minimally invasive intervention. This technique consists of the application of percutaneous electrical stimulation (PES) through an acupuncture needle-like electrode that is placed in close proximity to the nerve or motor point of the target muscle under ultrasound guidance. OBJECTIVE: To examine the immediate effects of a stretching exercise, an eccentric exercise and US-guided PNM on the performance of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle in young dancers. METHODS: Randomised clinical trial. A total of 45 dancers were divided into three groups: Stretching group, Eccentric group and PNM group. The following performance parameters were assessed: range of motion (ROM) of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, balance test and unilateral heel raise fatigue test. RESULTS: There were no differences between these groups in baseline measurements; at the end of the study, mean balance and endurance values were only significantly higher for the PNM group compared to the Stretching (p = 0.007 and p < 0.001, respectively) and Eccentric groups (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). The effect sizes were large for the balance (d = 0.8) and endurance (d = 1.83) tests in the PNM group. Both the Stretching and Eccentric groups exhibited improvements in ROM compared to their baseline values (p = 0.009 and p = 0.004, respectively), whereas there was no significant temporal improvement noted for the PNM group. The effect sizes with respect to ROM values were moderate for stretching (d = 0.6) and eccentric (d = 0.7) exercises. CONCLUSION: An isolated PES intervention provides a greater immediate increase in balance and muscular strength than an active stretching and eccentric exercise of the FHL muscle in young ballet dancers.