Effects of a program of dance therapy on body composition and quality of life of Spanish older overweight women

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a dance therapy program on body composition and quality of life in women over 65, who do not perform physical exercise regularly.Methods: Fifty-two sedentary older women (mean age 69.27 +/- 3.85 years) were randomly assigned to receive either dance therapy (n = 27) or part of the control group (n = 25). The intervention group participated in eight weeks of dance therapy, three sessions weekly/50 min, based on Spanish folk dance and ballet. Both groups receive information about the importance of nutrition and physical activity at the beginning and middle of the study. The waist circumference, blood pressure, body mass index and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after treatment in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using a 2 x 2 ANOVA.Results: Women in the intervention group showed significant reduction in waist circumference (p = 0,001) compared to those in the control group. Changes in BMI and quality of life although they improved in the dance group did not reach statistical significance.Conclusion: The Spanish dance therapy is an effective form of exercise to reduce visceral fat and prevent comorbidities in older women, helping to change unhealthy life styles.