Using dance to increase physical activity and modify risk factors for falls in older people

Oral Presentation B9.7

Authors

  • Sarah Astill University of Leeds
  • Silviya Nikolova University of Leeds
  • Daliya Kaskirbayeva University of Leeds
  • Laura Britten University of Leeds

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.549

Keywords:

Older Adults, Dance, Falls, Physical Activity

Abstract

Background: Physical activity is a modifiable factor for preventing falls in older people. Engaging in dance, has the potential to modify risk factors such as levels of physical activity that are associated with falling. Purpose: To determine if a community-based dance programme; ‘Dance on’ can modify risk factors associated with falling including levels of physical activity. Methods: Older people, aged 55 years an over enrolled on the Dance On programme (June 2019-March 2020). Physical Activity (SALQ), Fear of Falling (FES-I), mobility and balance (Timed up and Go), life satisfaction, happiness, and perceived health state were collected and compared at baseline, 3 months and 6 months follow-up using inferential analyses. A health economic evaluation was also undertaken. Results: 114 adults (F=103; 76.73 ± 9.21yrs) enrolled on the programme (baseline) with data collected from N=86 at 3m and N=21 at 6 months. Adherence was 76.6 ± 17.50 and 76.5 ± 19.04% at 3 and 6m respectively. Fear of falling, timed-up-and-go, life satisfaction, happiness, perceived health state did not improve. However total minutes of physical activity increased from baseline 104.34 (± 27.62) to 3 and 6 months 186.84 (± 24.77) (F(1.10, 78.98)=4.58, p=0.032). The program was considered cost effective at 3 and 6m. Conclusions: Dance can increase levels of physical activity and this persists while engaged in the dance programme. Adherence to the programme was high but frequency and duration of sessions, and initial physical activity levels need to be considered to maximise benefits.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Astill, S., Nikolova, S., Kaskirbayeva, D., & Britten, L. (2021). Using dance to increase physical activity and modify risk factors for falls in older people: Oral Presentation B9.7. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.549