engleski

Effects of dance training programme on postural stability of middle aged women

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the effects of Greek folk dancing on postural stability in middle age women. Methods: Sixty-three women aged from 47–53 participated in this study. All participants were randomly divided into the experimental group – 33 participants (mean ± SD ; body height = 160.13 ± 12.07 cm, body mass = 63.81 ± 10.56 kg), and the control group – 30 participants (mean ± SD ; body height = 160.63 ± 6.22 cm, body mass = 64.79 ± 8.19 kg). The following tests were used to evaluate the motor balance and posture stability of participants ; the double-leg stance along the length of a balance beam (eyes open), the double-leg stance along the width of a balance beam (eyes open), the single-leg stance (eyes open) and the double-leg stance on one’s toes (eyes closed). The Functional Reach Test for balance and the Star Excursion Balance Test were used to evaluate dynamic balance. Results: The multivariate analysis of covariance of static and dynamic balance between participants of the experimental and control group at the final measuring, with neutralized differences at the initial measuring (Wilks’ λ = 0.45), revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05). The intergroup difference at the final measuring was also found to be significant (p < 0.05) for the following variables ; the double-leg stance on one’s toes, the Functional Reach Test, balance of the right anterolateral, balance of the right posterolateral and balance of the left posteromedial. Conclusion: An organized dance activity programme does lead to the improvement of static and dynamic balance in middle aged women.

dance, posture stability, dynamic balance, women

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