Balance is an essential skill for dancers, it helps reduce the risk of injury, and is related to quality of performance. This systematic review aims to investigate the effects of training protocols ...on the balance of dancers when compared to control groups.
Interventional studies, published until January 2023, assessing balance in all levels of ballet, modern, and contemporary dancers were identified in the PubMed, Cochrane, Lilacs, Scielo, Embase, and SPORTDiscus databases. Publications in English, Spanish and Portuguese were considered. In two selection phases, using a standard protocol, two reviewers independently selected and extracted the data. The Downs & Black checklist was used to assess risk of bias.
Of the nine intervention studies included, most were classified as either “fair” or “poor” quality. Three-hundred and seventy-two dancers aged 9.6 ± 0.5 to 25.7 ± 3.7 years were analysed. The majority was female (94%), with the years of experience of ballet (35%) or ballet and modern (49%) training ranging from 4.6 ± 1.4 to 12.0 ± 7.5 years. Numerous training protocols of varying durations were found. However, neuromuscular training proved the most effective at improving balance.
Most of the studies are classified poor quality. Future studies should consider interventions lasting at least four weeks, two to three times a week, sessions between 30 and 60 min. More high-quality studies, randomized control trials using validated balance tests, as well as new validation studies for dance-specific balance tests are needed.
•Different training protocols were found, including physical practice and the use of accessories.•Neuromuscular-based training is an effective strategy to improve dancers' balance.•Interventions should last at least 4 weeks, with 2–3 weekly sessions between 30 to 60 min.•Most of the included studies are classified poor quality.•High-quality studies, RCT using validated balance tests, new validation studies for dance-specific balance tests are needed.
Aging involves physical and cognitive deterioration in older adults. Detecting predictors of dementia early is crucial to identify its onset. This study aimed to associate physical and psychological ...determinants with cognitive performance in older adults. Observational study with 221 older adults, classified according to cognitive impairment. We evaluated cognitive function by Mini-Mental State Examination. Physical determinants encompassed muscle strength, functional mobility, and cardiorespiratory fitness, while psychological consisted of quality of life and activities of daily living. Multiple linear regression was performed to investigate this relationship. Physical and psychological determinants were significantly linked to cognitive impairment, including lower muscle strength, reduced functional mobility and of cardiorespiratory fitness. The influence of environment, autonomy, and engagement in daily activities on cognitive impairment was also observed. The analysis of physical and psychological determinants could help to aid in distinguishing individuals with cognitive impairment.
Objectives
This study aims to examine the feasibility of an intergenerational remote intervention program designed to promote the wellbeing and social connection of vulnerable older adults, mainly ...people with aphasia and dementia during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the south of Brazil. Undergraduate students were guided to lead weekly sessions of clowning, storytelling, dancing, and cooking‐related activities for 3 months (from November/2020 to February/2021).
Method
The mixed‐method design of the study addresses the implementation and feasibility of the program. Data analysis considered both quantitative—number of individuals who accepted the invitation to participate, voluntary dropouts, attendance—and qualitative data—participative observation and thematic analysis of evaluative conversations. An inclusive group of 34 older adults with stroke‐induced cognitive impairments, dementia and individuals without any neurological conditions enrolled in the program based on social and racial equity principles. Feasibility and acceptability were addressed in terms of recruitment, implementation, remote evaluation, delivery of remote intervention, adherence, and attendance. Activities and participants' perceptions are described.
Results
The initial period of the program achieved 83.7% of adherence and sustainability for additional 3 months. Preliminary results suggest feasibility and acceptability, considering formal and informal support in digital inclusion. Participatory observations describe that the structure of sessions and activities were well received. The analysis of participants' perceptions detects the thematic saliency of feelings of social connection and a sense of having learned with the group.
Conclusions
Preliminary results of this study demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of the program, pointing to its potential mental health benefits.
Key points
Group‐based remote playful activities and one‐to‐one interactions through video calls from undergraduate students to older adults living with cognitive impairments was feasible and well received by this population.
Results indicate that the intervention was perceived as promoting a positive effect and social engagement during the pandemic in Brazil.
Further, larger scale trials are needed to assess the potential of the program to improve communication and reduce depression and anxiety symptoms of older adults with cognitive impairments.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought negative consequences such as social isolation and limited access to health services, especially for older adults. The objective was to evaluate effects of an online ...exercise training program and physical fitness and health-related variables on Brazilian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and secondarily to assess the feasibility and application of an online program. A study was developed with twenty older adults who participated in a 9-month online exercise program. The physical fitness, depressive symptoms, concern about falling, and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-intervention. One-way repeated measures ANOVA and effect size was used. The feasibility was proven by the adherence to the program, in addition to the absence of identification of adverse effects. The results showed that physical fitness was improved (upper limb strength) or maintained (lower limb strength, lower and upper limb flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness), as well as for most of the health-related variables (depressive symptoms, concern about falling, and quality of life domains). The study was developed in the first COVID-19 lockdown in Brazil, but positive and important results were obtained. This research supports the feasibility of the online exercise training program and provides a basis for an online exercise program for older adults.
We compared the electrical activity of certain powerhouse muscles—External Oblique, Multifidus, Adductor Longus, and Gluteus Medius—during the teaser exercise of the Pilates Method, performed on ...various types of apparatus—the Mat, Reformer, and Wall Unit. Fifteen female practitioners of the Classic Pilates Method (32.6 ± 7.7 years old; 21.9 ± 1.9 body mass index) performed the teaser in each situation while electromyographic (EMG) and kinematic data were collected. Root mean square values of the flexion phase were compared. All muscles showed higher EMG activity in Reformer compared with Wall Unit, and Multifidus, Adductor Longus, and Gluteus Medius showed higher EMG activity in Mat compared with Wall Unit. No difference was found between Reformer and Mat.
Parkinson's disease (PD) causes several motor and non-motor symptoms, resulting in negative impacts on physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of people with PD quality of life. Dance has ...been considered as a potential non-pharmacological intervention to improve people with PD motor and non-motor symptoms, thereby enhancing quality of life.
To analyze the self-perceive impacts of Brazilian Dance on the quality of life (physical, mental, emotional, and social) of PwPD, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fourteen participants from the "Dança & Parkinson" project were included in this qualitative study. Data collection instruments consisted of a profile and personal data sheet; assessment of accessibility to the online dance classes; Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment by phone call; and semi-structured interview conducted through ZOOM video call. The participants characterization data were calculated using mean, standard deviation, and percentages with the Excel Program version 2013. Qualitative data was analyzed using the Thematic Analysis technique in the Nvivo, version 8.0, qualitative analysis of text, sound, and video program.
The participants reported facing various challenges in dealing with PD, which negatively impact their quality of life. However, their resilience, acceptance, and dedication to treatment play an important role in coping with the issues related to the disease. Brazilian dance, both in-person before the COVID-19 pandemic and online during the pandemic, led the participants to perceive improvements in physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of quality of life.
The Brazilian dance appears to have a positive impact on the physical, mental, emotional, and social aspects of the participants' quality of life, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abstract
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.
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent social isolation can intensify some Parkinson's disease (PD) motor and non-motor symptoms. To minimize the damage to the physical and mental ...health of people with PD, strategies to promote health in this population must be adapted to the new reality. Considering the negative impact of social isolation on the physical and mental health of people with PD, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and considering the importance of using online tools to safely promote complementary therapies to attenuate these issues, we developed an online dance project called 'Dance & Parkinson's at home', inspired by the Samba and Forró Brazilian rhythms. First, from April to July 2020, the activities were offered in an asynchronous learning format (recorded dance classes inspired by the Samba and Forró Brazilian rhythms). Later, from August to December 2020, a blended learning experience was provided (asynchronous - recorded dance classes - and synchronous learning - live-streamed dance classes). This article describes the new challenges faced by the online 'Dance & Parkinson's at home' project and teaching strategies developed to provide online dance classes for people with Parkinson's disease during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Objectives
The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize evidence associated with the functional and clinical effectiveness of rhythmic cueing, dance, or resistance ...training (RT) on motor and non-motor parameters in Parkinson's Disease patients, and to provide a comparative perspective not offered by existing systematic reviews.
Methodology
Eligibility criteria for selecting studies retained no restrictions in methodological design and included interventions of rhythmic cueing, dance, RT, and measurements of motor and non-motor parameters. Animal studies, reviews, editorials, conferences, magazines, and gray literature articles were excluded. Two independent investigators searched Cochrane Library, Medline, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus from the date of their inception until 1 June 2021. The ROBINS-I tool was employed for the non-randomized controlled trials, and the updated for Risk of Bias 2 tool of Cochrane Library used for randomized controlled trials. For meta-analyses, the RevMan 5.4.13 software was used. For incompatible meta-analysis studies, a narrative data synthesis was conducted.
Results
A total of 49 studies included in the systematic review involving 3767 PD participants. Meta-analyses revealed that rhythmic cueing training assists gait velocity (
p
= 0.01), stride length (
p
= 0.01), and motor symptoms (
p
= 0.03). Similarly, dance training benefits stride length (
p
= 0.05), lower extremity function-TUG (
p
= 0.01), and motor symptoms (
p
= 0.01), whilst RT improves lower extremity function-TUG (
p
= 0.01), quality of life (
p
= 0.01), knee flexion (
p
= 0.02), and leg press (
p
= 0.01). Subgroup analyses have shown non-significant differences in gait velocity (
p
= 0.26), stride length (
p
= 0.80), functional mobility-TUG (
p
= 0.74), motor symptoms-UPDRS-III (
p
= 0.46), and quality of life-PDQ39 (
p
= 0.44).
Conclusion
Rhythmic cueing, dance, or RT positively affect the examined outcomes, with rhythmic cueing to be associated with three outcomes (Gait, Stride, and UPDRS-III), dance with three outcomes (TUG, Stride, and UPDRS-III), and RT with two outcomes (TUG and PDQ-39). Subgroup analyses confirmed the beneficial effects of these forms of exercise. Clinicians should entertain the idea of more holistic exercise protocols aiming at improving PD manifestations.
International Prospective Register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO) (registration number: CRD42020212380).
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