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

Overview

Journal Int J Exerc Sci

Date 2020 Mar 10

PMID 32148611

Citations 3

Authors

Hannah Weighart

Sarah Dipasquale

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

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

Citing Articles

The use of dance to improve the health and wellbeing of older adults: A global scoping review of research trials.

Waugh M, Youdan Jr G, Casale C, Balaban R, Cross E, Merom D PLoS One. 2024; 19(10):e0311889.

PMID: 39436889 PMC: 11495583. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311889.

Effectiveness of dance interventions for falls prevention in older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Lazo Green K, Yang Y, Abaraogu U, Eastaugh C, Beyer F, Norman G Age Ageing. 2024; 53(5).

PMID: 38776214 PMC: 11110915. DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afae104.

Graceful gait: virtual ballet classes improve mobility and reduce falls more than wellness classes for older women.

Harrison E, Haussler A, Tueth L, Baudendistel S, Earhart G Front Aging Neurosci. 2024; 16:1289368.

PMID: 38327499 PMC: 10847569. DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1289368.

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