Association of Dance-Based Mind-Motor Activities With Falls and Physical Function Among Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Falls increase morbidity and mortality in adults 65 years and older. The role of dance-based mind-motor activities in preventing falls among healthy older adults is not well established. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of dance-based mind-motor activities in preventing falls. Data Sources: Systematic search included the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, AgeLine, AMED, and Scopus databases from database inception to February 18, 2018, using the Medical Subject Headings aged 65 and older, accidental falls, and dancing. Study Selection: This systematic review and meta-analysis included 29 randomized clinical trials that evaluated a dance-based mind-motor activity in healthy older adults with regard to fall risk, fall rate, or well-established measures of physical function in the domains of balance, mobility, and strength. The included studies targeted participants without comorbidities associated with higher fall risk. Dance-based mind-motor activities were defined as coordinated upright mind-motor movements that emphasize dynamic balance, structured through music or an inner rhythm (eg, breathing) and distinctive instructions or choreography, and that involve social interaction. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Standardized independent screening, data extraction, and bias assessment were performed. Data were pooled using random-effects models. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcomes were risk of falling and rate of falls. For the secondary end points of physical function (balance, mobility, and strength), standardized mean differences (SMDs) were estimated and pooled (Hedges g). Results: In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 randomized clinical trials, dance-based mind-motor activities were significantly associated with reduced (37%) risk of falling (risk ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.49-0.80; 8 trials, 1579 participants) and a significantly reduced (31%) rate of falls (incidence rate ratio, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.53-0.89; 7 trials, 2012 participants). In addition, dance-based mind-motor activities were significantly associated with improved physical function in the domains of balance (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.33-0.90; 15 trials, 1476 participants), mobility (SMD, -0.56; 95% CI, -0.81 to -0.31; 13 trials, 1379 participants), and lower body strength (SMD, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.23-0.91; 13 trials, 1613 participants) but not upper body strength (SMD, 0.18; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.38; 4 trials, 414 participants). Conclusion and Relevance: Among healthy older adults, dance-based mind-motor activities were associated with decreased risk of falling and rate of falls and improved balance, mobility, and lower body strength. This type of activity may be useful in preventing falls in this population.

Effects of a dancing intervention on mood states in a woman with fibromyalgia: a case report / Efectos de un protocolo de intervención de danza en los estados de ánimo de una mujer con fibromialgia: un caso clínico

The objective of this study was to verify the effects of a dancing intervention on mood states in a woman with fibromyalgia. A case report in which an intervention protocol consisted of dance classes of 2 sessions per week for 6 weeks, totaling 12 sessions. The List of Mood States - Reduced and Illustrated version (LOMS-RI) was applied before and after each intervention session. The LOMS-RI contains 14 adjectives, and each is represented by a drawing of a face with its corresponding expression. Each of the adjectives presented a scale of four values. A descriptive analysis was performed. The proposed protocol promoted a positive influence in which there was an increase in the positive adjective set score after each session. In addition, there was a decrease in the negative adjective set score after all sessions, except the first session. So, the dance protocol can positively influence the mood states in woman with fibromyalgia

El objetivo de este estudio fue verificar los efectos de una intervención de danza en los estados de ánimo de una mujer con fibromialgia. Un caso clínico que consistió en un protocolo de intervención compuesto por clases de danza, con 2 sesiones por semana, durante 6 semanas, totalizando 12 sesiones. Se aplicó una Lista de Estados de Ánimo Reducida e Ilustrada (LEA-RI) antes y después de cada sesión de intervención. La LEA-RI contiene 14 adjetivos y cada uno es representado por la figura de una cara con su expresión correspondiente. Cada uno de los adjetivos tiene, asimismo, una escala de cuatro valores. Se realizó un análisis descriptivo. El protocolo propuesto tuvo una influencia positiva, dado que hubo un aumento de la puntuación en el conjunto de los adjetivos positivos después de cada sesión. Además, hubo una disminución en la puntuación en el conjunto de los adjetivos negativos después de cada sesión, a excepción de la primera sesión. Por lo tanto, el protocolo de danza puede influir positivamente los estados de ánimo en una mujer con fibromialgia

Effects of Dance and Music on Pain and Fear During Childbirth.

OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of dance and music and music alone on pain and fear during the active phase of labor among nulliparous women. DESIGN: Single-blind, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: A maternity and children's hospital in Konya Province, Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 93 nulliparous, pregnant women who were in the active phase of labor at term gestation with single fetuses in cephalic presentation. METHODS: We randomly assigned participants to one of three groups: dance and music, music alone, and usual care (control). We collected data four times during labor using a personal information form, labor monitoring form, visual analog scale (VAS), and Version A of the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQA) to measure fear. RESULTS: Based on multivariate analysis of variance, the effect of time and study group interaction on VAS and W-DEQA scores was statistically significant (p < .05), and the effect of study groups and time on VAS scores was statistically significant (p < .05). The effect of the study groups on W-DEQA scores was statistically significant (p < .05), but there was no statistically significant effect of time on W-DEQA scores (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Dance and music and music alone significantly reduced pain and fear in nulliparous women during the active phase of labor. These interventions are easy for nurses and midwives to use, affordable, and effective, and they enable a woman and her partner to be actively engaged in the woman's care.

A Review of the Clinical Evidence for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Huntington's Disease.

Background: There is a lack of published guidelines related to the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for Huntington's disease (HD). We conducted a review of the literature to summarize the available evidence for various mind-body practices and nutraceuticals. Methods: PubMed and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched independently from inception to February 2019 by two independent raters. Studies were classified for the level of evidence (Class I, II, III, or IV) according to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) classification scale. Results: Randomized controlled trials in HD were reviewed for mind-body interventions (dance therapy, music therapy, and exercise), alternative systems (traditional Chinese medicine [TCM]), and nutraceuticals/diet (aminooxyacetic acid [AOAA], coenzyme q10, creatine, cannabinoids, alpha-tocopherol, eicosapentaenoic acid, idebenone, levocarnitine, and triheptanoin). Few studies met AAN Class I or II level of evidence for benefits, and these are highlighted. Discussion: There is a relative paucity of clinical trials examining CAM modalities in HD when compared to other neurodegenerative disorders. Currently, there is no evidence supporting disease modification or symptom improvement with any specific dietary or nutraceutical supplement for HD. Supervised exercise and contemporary dance are safe for people with HD, but more robust studies are warranted to guide specific recommendations for these and other mind-body interventions.

Propiedades psicométricas del Profile of Mood States (POMS) en personas con demencia y su aplicación en la evaluación de los efectos de la danza creativa terapéutica / Psychometric properties of Profile of Mood States (POMS) in people with dementia and its application in the evaluation of the effects of therapeutic creative dance

Introducción. Existe una creciente necesidad de estudios científicos e instrumentos que permitan evaluar los efectos en el plano afectivo de algunas terapias no farmacológicas para personas con demencia, como la danza creativa terapéutica. Objetivos. Determinar la validez y fiabilidad del Profile of Mood States (POMS) en personas con demencia y analizar las posibles diferencias en las puntuaciones de los participantes antes y después de sesiones de danza creativa terapéutica. Pacientes y métodos. El POMS se administró a 36 personas con demencia antes y después de cuatro sesiones grupales de danza creativa terapéutica. Para comprobar la validez de constructo se administraron dos cuestionarios autoinformados (PANAS y STAXI-2). Resultados. El POMS presentó una buena consistencia interna para cada factor y excelente para la escala total. La estabilidad temporal fue media-alta. Los resultados de validez convergente apoyan la validez de constructo. Después de las sesiones de danza creativa terapéutica, los factores tensión, depresión y confusión del POMS se redujeron, mientras que el factor vigor aumentó significativamente. No hubo ningún efecto sobre la fatiga y la cólera. Conclusiones. Se ha demostrado la validez y fiabilidad del POMS en una población con demencia. La danza creativa terapéutica puede ofrecer beneficios emocionales para personas con demencia

Introduction. There is a growing need for scientific studies and tools that allow the evaluation of the effects at an affective level of some non-pharmacological therapies for people with dementia such as the creative therapeutic dance. Aims. To explore the validity and reliability of the Profile of Mood States (POMS) in people with dementia and to analyse the possible differences in the scores of the participants before and after sessions of creative therapeutic dance. Patients and methods. POMS was administered to 36 people with dementia before and after four group sessions of creative therapeutic dance. To verify the construct validity, PANAS and STAXI-2 were also administered. Results. The POMS presented a good internal consistency for each factor and an excellent one for the total scale. The temporal stability was medium-high. Convergent validity results support construct validity. After the creative therapeutic dance sessions, POMS factors tension, depression and confusion were reduced, while vigour increased significantly. There was noeffect on fatigue and anger.Conclusions. The validity and reliability of POMS have been demonstrated in a population with dementia. Creative therapeutic dance can offer emotional benefits for people with dementia

Utilization of integrative medicine differs by age among pediatric oncology patients.

PURPOSE: Coping with symptoms related to cancer treatment is challenging for pediatric patients with cancer and their caregivers. Additionally, caring for pediatric patients requires specialized expertise to incorporate age-appropriate interventions to improve outcomes. Despite the increase in pediatric inpatient integrative medicine (IM) therapies, there is a paucity of knowledge about whether the utilization of IM therapies differs by patient age. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis on IM utilization among pediatric inpatients between 2008 and 2016 in a tertiary urban cancer center using electronic medical records. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the relationship between age and specific type of IM utilization, adjusting for specific demographic factors. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2016, the pediatric inpatient IM service had 20 686 visits and treated 1877 unique patients. A significant age difference (P < 0.001) by modality was noted: dance therapy (mean age ± standard deviation: 5.9 ± 5.3 years), music therapy (8.0±7.0 years), mind-body therapies (13.0 ± 7.7 years), massage (14.5 ± 7.8 years), and acupuncture (20.0 ± 7.9 years). In multivariable analysis, the association between age and use of specific IM therapies remained significant (P < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: Specific types of inpatient IM therapy usage significantly differed by the age of pediatric patients with cancer; therefore, designing and providing age-appropriate IM interventions with consideration for developmental stage are needed to ensure that the most appropriate and effective therapies are provided to children with cancer.

Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community.

BACKGROUND: At least one-third of community-dwelling people over 65 years of age fall each year. Exercises that target balance, gait and muscle strength have been found to prevent falls in these people. An up-to-date synthesis of the evidence is important given the major long-term consequences associated with falls and fall-related injuries OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of exercise interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, three other databases and two trial registers up to 2 May 2018, together with reference checking and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of any form of exercise as a single intervention on falls in people aged 60+ years living in the community. We excluded trials focused on particular conditions, such as stroke. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcome was rate of falls. MAIN RESULTS: We included 108 RCTs with 23,407 participants living in the community in 25 countries. There were nine cluster-RCTs. On average, participants were 76 years old and 77% were women. Most trials had unclear or high risk of bias for one or more items. Results from four trials focusing on people who had been recently discharged from hospital and from comparisons of different exercises are not described here.Exercise (all types) versus control Eighty-one trials (19,684 participants) compared exercise (all types) with control intervention (one not thought to reduce falls). Exercise reduces the rate of falls by 23% (rate ratio (RaR) 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 0.83; 12,981 participants, 59 studies; high-certainty evidence). Based on an illustrative risk of 850 falls in 1000 people followed over one year (data based on control group risk data from the 59 studies), this equates to 195 (95% CI 144 to 246) fewer falls in the exercise group. Exercise also reduces the number of people experiencing one or more falls by 15% (risk ratio (RR) 0.85, 95% CI 0.81 to 0.89; 13,518 participants, 63 studies; high-certainty evidence). Based on an illustrative risk of 480 fallers in 1000 people followed over one year (data based on control group risk data from the 63 studies), this equates to 72 (95% CI 52 to 91) fewer fallers in the exercise group. Subgroup analyses showed no evidence of a difference in effect on both falls outcomes according to whether trials selected participants at increased risk of falling or not.The findings for other outcomes are less certain, reflecting in part the relatively low number of studies and participants. Exercise may reduce the number of people experiencing one or more fall-related fractures (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.95; 4047 participants, 10 studies; low-certainty evidence) and the number of people experiencing one or more falls requiring medical attention (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.79; 1019 participants, 5 studies; low-certainty evidence). The effect of exercise on the number of people who experience one or more falls requiring hospital admission is unclear (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.18; 1705 participants, 2 studies, very low-certainty evidence). Exercise may make little important difference to health-related quality of life: conversion of the pooled result (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.03, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.04; 3172 participants, 15 studies; low-certainty evidence) to the EQ-5D and SF-36 scores showed the respective 95% CIs were much smaller than minimally important differences for both scales.Adverse events were reported to some degree in 27 trials (6019 participants) but were monitored closely in both exercise and control groups in only one trial. Fourteen trials reported no adverse events. Aside from two serious adverse events (one pelvic stress fracture and one inguinal hernia surgery) reported in one trial, the remainder were non-serious adverse events, primarily of a musculoskeletal nature. There was a median of three events (range 1 to 26) in the exercise groups.Different exercise types versus controlDifferent forms of exercise had different impacts on falls (test for subgroup differences, rate of falls: P = 0.004, I² = 71%). Compared with control, balance and functional exercises reduce the rate of falls by 24% (RaR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.81; 7920 participants, 39 studies; high-certainty evidence) and the number of people experiencing one or more falls by 13% (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.91; 8288 participants, 37 studies; high-certainty evidence). Multiple types of exercise (most commonly balance and functional exercises plus resistance exercises) probably reduce the rate of falls by 34% (RaR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.88; 1374 participants, 11 studies; moderate-certainty evidence) and the number of people experiencing one or more falls by 22% (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.96; 1623 participants, 17 studies; moderate-certainty evidence). Tai Chi may reduce the rate of falls by 19% (RaR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.99; 2655 participants, 7 studies; low-certainty evidence) as well as reducing the number of people who experience falls by 20% (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.91; 2677 participants, 8 studies; high-certainty evidence). We are uncertain of the effects of programmes that are primarily resistance training, or dance or walking programmes on the rate of falls and the number of people who experience falls. No trials compared flexibility or endurance exercise versus control. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Exercise programmes reduce the rate of falls and the number of people experiencing falls in older people living in the community (high-certainty evidence). The effects of such exercise programmes are uncertain for other non-falls outcomes. Where reported, adverse events were predominantly non-serious.Exercise programmes that reduce falls primarily involve balance and functional exercises, while programmes that probably reduce falls include multiple exercise categories (typically balance and functional exercises plus resistance exercises). Tai Chi may also prevent falls but we are uncertain of the effect of resistance exercise (without balance and functional exercises), dance, or walking on the rate of falls.

Self-Reported Exercise Trends in Parkinson's Disease Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in type, frequency, and effectiveness of different modes of exercise in patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). BACKGROUND: Exercise has been shown to improve symptoms in PD patients. Recent studies suggest that dance may be a particularly helpful exercise option. However, it remains unclear how the benefits of various forms of exercise compare to dance and to each other. Information on these trends can help inform future exercise programs for PD patients. METHOD: 55 PD patients completed a survey on their exercise frequency, the impact of exercise on their symptoms, and whether they exercise alone or in groups. 9 PD patients who attend dance therapy classes completed an extended survey with additional questions comparing the benefit of dance therapy to traditional forms of exercise. RESULTS: Of the 64 patients surveyed, 67% of patients exercised at least twice a week for at least 30 minutes at a time, and 28% of patients exercised alone only. Walking was most commonly reported (77%), followed by stretching (52%), and weights (28%). 97% of patients who exercised noted mitigation of their PD symptoms. Additionally, a significantly greater percentage of patients who exercised in groups reported symptomatic improvements compared to patients who only exercised alone (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: More patients who participated in group exercise reported symptomatic improvement compared to those who exercised strictly alone. This suggests that the psychosocial and cognitive component of group therapy, such as dance, may confer additional benefits to PD patients.

Análisis electromiográfico de los músculos del tobillo en adultos jóvenes con síndrome de Down antes y después de la implementación de un programa de actividad física basado en la danza / Electromyographic analysis of ankle muscles in young adults with Down syndrome before and after the implementation of a physical activity programme based on dance

Introducción: Las personas con síndrome de Down tienen dificultades de control postural, y muestran diferencias en cuanto a desplazamiento de su centro de presión y a su actividad muscular, en comparación con la población general. La investigación previa ha reflejado que el centro de la presión de desplazamiento es menos dependiente de las condiciones visuales en las personas con síndrome de Down, aunque se ha observado una mejora del equilibrio tras la realización de actividades físicas basadas en la danza. El objetivo del proyecto fue valorar el efecto de un programa de actividad física basado en la danza sobre la actividad muscular en adultos jóvenes con síndrome de Down. Material y métodos: Once participantes con síndrome de Down y 11 participantes sin síndrome de Down, como grupo control, siguieron un programa de danza de 18 semanas de duración. Se utilizó electromiografía de superficie para valorar la actividad del músculo del tobillo antes y después de la finalización del programa, con los ojos abiertos y cerrados. Resultados: Observamos un nivel superior de activación muscular en el grupo de síndrome de Down, que reflejó unas diferencias menores entre las diferentes condiciones visuales que el grupo control. No se observaron diferencias significativas previas y posteriores al entrenamiento en el grupo síndrome de Down. Sin embargo se observaron menores diferencias entre ambos grupos tras el entrenamiento, en relación a la situación previa al mismo. Conclusiones: Aunque no se observaron diferencias significativas en el grupo síndrome de Down tras el entrenamiento, sí se observó un descenso de las diferencias entre los grupos. Estas podrían guardar relación con ciertas adaptaciones posturales. En el futuro, sería interesante incrementar la muestra, y analizar también la posición del centro de presión en relación a los pies

Introduction: People with Down syndrome have difficulties in postural control and exhibit differences in the displacement of their centre of pressure and in muscle activity compared with the general population. Previous research has shown that centre of pressure displacement is less depending on visual conditions in people with Down syndrome, although improved balance has been observed following specific physical activities based on dance. The aim of the project was to assess the effect of a dance-based physical activity programme on muscle activity in young adults with Down syndrome. Material and methods: Eleven participants with Down syndrome and eleven participants without Down syndrome as the control group followed an 18-week dance programme. Surface electromyography was used to assess ankle muscle activity before and after completion of the programme in open and closed eyes conditions. Results: We observed a higher level of muscle activation in Down syndrome group. They showed minor differences between different visual conditions than control group. No significant differences were seen in pre- and post-training in Down syndrome group. Nevertheless, less differences were observed between both groups after training than before. Conclusions: Although no significant differences were observed in Down syndrome group after training, differences between groups were decreased. These could be related to some postural adaptations. In the future, it will be interesting to increase the sample and also analyze the position of centre of pressure in relation to feet

Relación entre la danza libre-creativa y autoestima en la etapa de educación primaria / Relação entre dança auto-criativa e auto-estima na escola primária / Relationship between self-creative dance and self-esteem in primary school

El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido analizar la relación existente entre la danza y el aumento de los niveles de autoestima en las diferentes dimensiones que la conforman en niños y niñas de educación primaria. Para ello, se diseña e implementa un programa de danza librecreativa dentro de la asignatura de Educación Física, con una duración de 13 sesiones, dirigido al alumnado de tercer ciclo de primaria. Como instrumento de recogida de información se utiliza el Cuestionario Multimedia y Multilenguaje de Evaluación de la Autoestima desarrollado y validado por Ramos en 2008. Se establecen dos grupos, uno experimental; y otro de control. Los resultados encontrados demuestran la utilidad de este tipo de programas, y cómo la danza libre-creativa favorece el incremento de los niveles de autoconcepto de habilidad física, autoconcepto de apariencia física, autoconcepto social, autoconcepto de estabilidad emocional y autoconcepto general, fomentando de esta forma la autoestima global del alumnado de tercer ciclo de primaria (AU)

The Dissertation that is now presented aims to design an intervention proyect seeking the analysis of the existing relation between dance and the increase of self-esteem levels through the different dimensions it is formed. For this, a free-creative dance programme is designed and implemented through the Physical Education area and a duration of 13 sessions, aimed at third cycle Primary school students. In order to evaluate the programme, the Multimedia and Multilingual Questionnaire for the Evaluation of the Self-esteem is used as developed and validated by Ramos in 2008. The results inform that free-creative dance favours the increase of physical ability self-concept, physical image self-concept, social self-concept, emotional stability self-concept and self-concept in general. Tis encourages global self-esteem of the third cycle Primary school students (AU)

O trabalho aqui apresentado tem como objetivo desenvolver um projecto de intervenção para analisar a relação entre dança e aumento dos níveis de auto-estima nas diferentes dimensões que o constituem. Para fazer isso, ele é projetado e implementado um programa de dança livre-criativo através da área de Educação Física, com a duração de 13 sessões, destinado a estudantes de terceiro ciclo do ensino primário. Como uma ferramenta de recolha de informações é usado Multimedia Multilingual Assessment Questionnaire desenvolvido e validado por Ramos em 2008. Os resultados mostram que a dança auto-criativa promove aumento dos níveis de autoconceito de capacidade física, aparência física auto-conceito, auto-conceito social, auto-conceito de estabilidade emocional e auto-conceito geral, promovendo assim a auto-estima global dos alunos no terceiro ciclo primário (AU)

Efectos de un programa de terapia de baile en la calidad de vida, el sueño y la presión arterial en mujeres de mediana edad: un ensayo controlado aleatorizado / Effects of a dance therapy programme on quality of life, sleep and blood pressure in middle-aged women: A randomised controlled trial

Fundamento y objetivo: Existe evidencia sobre los efectos positivos de la danza, como la mejora de los parámetros cardiovasculares y del sueño. El objetivo del presente estudio ha sido explorar si un programa de terapia de baile es capaz de mejorar el sueño y la presión arterial en mujeres de mediana edad, prehipertensas e hipertensas. Métodos: Se diseñó un ensayo aleatorizado y controlado, donde las participantes fueron asignadas a uno de 2 grupos: grupo control (donde las participantes continuaron con sus actividades y medicación habitual) o grupo de terapia de baile (donde las participantes siguieron un programa de terapia de baile, además de su medicación). La intervención consistió en un programa de baile-entrenamiento específico y progresivo durante 8 semanas, a razón de 3 sesiones semanales. Los pasos de baile fueron específicamente seleccionados para mejorar el equilibrio, desplazando el cuerpo y reubicando el centro de gravedad. Las medidas de resultado fueron la presión arterial, la calidad del sueño y la calidad de vida, estas 2 últimas medidas por elPittsburgh Sleep Quality Index y el Cuestionario Europeo sobre Calidad de Vida, respectivamente. Resultados: Se asignó al azar, a un total de 67 mujeres de mediana edad prehipertensas e hipertensas a un grupo de intervención (n=35), o como controles (n=32), después de las pruebas basales. El grupo de intervención informó de mejoras significativas en los valores de la presión arterial (p<0,01), así como en la calidad del sueño (p<0,05) y la calidad de vida (p<0,001) en comparación con el grupo control. Conclusión: El programa de terapia de baile mejoró la presión arterial, el sueño y la calidad de vida en mujeres de mediana edad prehipertensas e hipertensas, proporcionando la base para continuar la investigación con estudios más amplios (AU)

Background and objective: Evidence suggests that dance therapy may have positive effects in areas such as cardiovascular parameters and sleep. The aim of the present study is to explore whether a dance therapy programme improves sleep and blood pressure in a population of middle-aged pre-hypertensive and hypertensive women. Methods: A randomised controlled trial was conducted, in which participants were assigned to one of 2 groups: standard care (with usual activities and medication) or dance therapy (in which the participants followed a dance therapy programme, in addition to their medication). The intervention was an 8-week, 3-times-per-week, progressive and specific group dance-training programme. The dance steps were specifically designed to improve balance by shifting the body and relocating the centre of gravity. The main measures obtained were blood pressure, sleep quality and quality of life, measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the European Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: Sixty-seven pre-hypertensive and hypertensive middle-aged women were randomised to either an intervention group (n=35) or a control group (n=32) after baseline testing. The intervention group reported a significant improvement in blood pressure values (P<.01), as well as in sleep quality (P<.05) and quality of life (P<.001), compared to the control group. Conclusion: The dance therapy programme improved blood pressure, sleep and quality of life in pre-hypertensive and hypertensive middle-aged women, and constitutes an interesting basis for larger-scale research (AU)

Therapeutic Potential of a Drum and Dance Ceremony Based on the African Ngoma Tradition.

OBJECTIVE: Ngoma ceremonies are used throughout Central and South Africa to help people address "difficult issues," including medical illness. They are examples of ceremonies that use strong rhythms and dance for this purpose in indigenous cultures throughout the world. This study sought to modify an ngoma ceremony to make it appropriate for biomedical use and to determine its acceptance and potential for benefit for people living in the United States. METHODS: The Congolese Zebola ceremony, an African healing practice, was modified to be religion-neutral and to involve only moderate exercise. Seventeen participants were recruited for the current study. Most participants were living with a chronic illness (n=15), and a few had no medical diagnoses (n=2). Participants spent 10 minutes in a focused activity, such as meditation, yoga, or prayer. They then danced to the Congolese rhythm Zebola for an hour and a half, with a rest every 20 minutes. Afterward, they indicated whether the experience was positive, neutral, or negative and wrote a narrative describing their experience and what they saw as strengths and weaknesses of the ceremony. They then participated in a focus group discussion. Data from the narrative and focus group discussion were coded, tabulated, and analyzed for themes. RESULTS: Sixteen of seventeen participants found the ceremony to be a positive experience. None found the form uncomfortably foreign or disturbing. Participants described diverse benefits, including increased exercise tolerance, stress reduction, feelings of group support, and beneficial spiritual experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Further study of the modified ngoma ceremony is warranted. Global health programs should consider the potential benefits of transferring technologies in both directions rather than only from technologically advanced countries to less technologically advanced ones.

Efecto de la danza en los enfermos de Parkinson / Effect of dancing on Parkinson’s disease patients

Las alteraciones motoras son uno de los síntomas más importantes y que más afectan a la calidad de vida de los enfermos de Parkinson. La danza como práctica artística y terapéutica puede ayudar en la rehabilitación de alteraciones neuromusculares y motoras. El objetivo de esta revisión fue realizar una evaluación exhaustiva de estudios que investigaran acerca de si la danza favorece la rehabilitación de los enfermos de Parkinson. Se incluyeron 13 ensayos con 384 participantes y se evaluaron 4 estilos diferentes de danza, los cuales mostraron resultados favorables en parámetros como: función física, equilibrio, marcha, riesgo de caída y calidad de vida. A pesar de existir pocos ensayos clínicos, el análisis de los resultados surgiere que la danza puede mejorar la rehabilitación de alteraciones motoras, ya que se aprecia una disminución del riesgo de caída al mejorar el equilibrio y la marcha. Todo ello conllevaría una mejor calidad de vida (AU)

Motor skill disorders are one of the most important symptoms and that which most affect the quality of life of Parkinson’s Disease patients. Dance, as artistic and therapy activity, can help in the rehabilitation of neuromuscular disorders and motor skills. This review has aimed to make a comprehensive assessment of studies investigating whether dance favors the rehabilitation of Parkinson’s Disease patients. A total of 13 trials with 384 participants were included. Four different styles of dance were evaluated. They showed favorable results on parameters such as physical function, balance, gait, fall risk and quality of life. Although there are few clinical trials, the analysis of the results suggest that dance can improve the rehabilitation of motor disorders since a decrease in the risk of falls because balance and gait are improved is observed. All of this help entail an improvement in the quality of life (AU)