The Effectiveness of Classical Ballet Training on Health-Related Outcomes: A Systematic Review.
Letton Meg E,Thom Jeanette M,Ward Rachel E
Journal of physical activity & health
BACKGROUND:Regular physical activity is of paramount importance to reduce chronic disease risk. Classical ballet training requires balance, strength, and range of motion. Participation in social ballet classes is increasing. Ballet training interventions may be an alternative method of regular, enjoyable activity. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of classical ballet training interventions on physical and psychological health. METHODS:Ten databases were searched until April 2019. The included studies investigated classical ballet training interventions of a ≥4-week duration, on any population (no restrictions on experience and clinical condition), measuring physical health or psychological outcomes. RESULTS:Twenty-three studies (25 intervention groups) were included, comprising experienced (19 groups) and novice dancers (6 groups). In experienced populations, muscular strength was the most commonly reported outcome. However, only 25% of these studies reported improvements. With novice dancers, including clinical populations, balance showed the most positive change, improving in 75% of studies that reported this measure. CONCLUSIONS:Classical ballet training may improve balance in novices and maintain physical activity across the life span. Experienced dancers showed no further improvement, perhaps due to an already greater ability. There was large heterogeneity between the included studies. A greater focus on classical ballet interventions for inexperienced populations is required.
10.1123/jpah.2019-0303
Anthropometry, somatotypes, and aerobic power in ballet, contemporary dance, and dancesport.
Liiv Helena,Wyon Matthew A,Jürimäe Toivo,Saar Meeli,Mäestu Jarek,Jürimäe Jaak
Medical problems of performing artists
This study compared anthropometric variables, somatotypes, and aerobic capacity between three groups of dancers: classical ballet dancers (M 33, F 56), contemporary dancers (M 28, F 109), and dancesport dancers (M 30, F 30). The assumption was that different functional requirements should produce differences in the anthropometric and aerobic capacity variables among the three groups. Anthropometric data for body mass index (BMI) and somatotypes were measured. Body fat percentage was measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Maximal oxygen consumption and aerobic power were measured during an incremental treadmill test until exhaustion. Dancesport athletes were taller compared with same gender contemporary dancers (p<0.05). Female ballet dancers had a lower body mass and BMI compared with their contemporary dance and dancesport equivalents (p<0.001). There was significant difference between dance styles in endomorphy (F2,221 = 8.773, p<0.001) and mesomorphy (F2,221 = 21.458, p<0.001) scores. Dancesport dancers had significantly greater VO2max values (p<0.01). It was concluded that female contemporary dancers are generally more muscular than their ballet counterparts, while dancesport dancers are taller and heavier, less muscular, with slightly greater adioposity compared to the classical ballet dancers. Ballet dancers had the lowest body fat percentage, weight, and BMI values. Dancesport dancers had greater aerobic capacity than the ballet dancers. Based on this study, we conclude that dancers in these three styles differ in some aspects of anthropometric variables, somatotypes, and aerobic capacity, but we cannot say is it because of the training or selection or both.
The effect of dancing interventions on depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress in adults without musculoskeletal disorders: An integrative review and meta-analysis.
Salihu Dauda,Kwan Rick Yiu Cho,Wong Eliza Mi Ling
Complementary therapies in clinical practice
OBJECTIVE:To examine the effect of dancing interventions on depression symptoms, anxiety, and stress in adults with and without musculoskeletal disorders, and to determine the duration of the effectiveness of a dancing intervention. METHODS:Five electronic databases, CINAHL, MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and PsycINFO were searched from January 2010 to March 2021. Data were extracted for a quality synthesis and meta-analysis, and GRADEpro software was used to rate the quality of evidence. RESULTS:Twenty-eight randomized controlled trials involving 2249 eligible subjects were selected. They were found to be of satisfactory quality (fair n = 12, good n = 16). These studies revealed that dance interventions had a significant effect on relieving depression symptoms (SMD = -0.69, 95 % CI -0.91 to -0.35, p < 0.001), anxiety (SMD = -0.99, 95 % CI = -1.92 to -0.05, p < 0.05), and stress (SMD = -1.0, 95 % CI = -1.83 to -0.17, p < 0.05). Exposure to a dancing intervention for at least 150 min per week was found to have reduced depression symptoms (SMD = -0.72, 95 % CI -0.20, -0.25, p < 0.01). The quality of evidence ranged from very low to low. CONCLUSIONS:This review indicates that dancing interventions significantly reduce depression symptoms, stress, and anxiety; and adults with or without musculoskeletal disorders would benefit from engaging in a dancing intervention for at least 150 min per week. Dancing interventions are recommended to be incorporated in health promotion activities to promote psychological wellbeing.
10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101467
Effect of dance therapy on blood pressure and exercise capacity of individuals with hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Conceição Lino Sergio Rocha,Neto Mansueto Gomes,do Amaral Mayra Alves Soares,Martins-Filho Paulo Ricardo Saquete,Oliveira Carvalho Vitor
International journal of cardiology
BACKGROUND:Dance therapy is a less conventional modality of physical activity in cardiovascular rehabilitation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of dance therapy in hypertensive patients. METHODS:Pubmed, Scopus, LILACS, IBECS, MEDLINE and SciELO via Virtual Health Library (Bireme) (from the earliest data available to February 2016) for controlled trials that investigated the effects of dance therapy on exercise capacity, systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) test. RESULTS:Four studies met the eligibility criteria. Dance therapy resulted in a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (WMD -12.01mmHg; 95% CI: -16.08, -7.94mmHg; P<0.0001) when compared with control subjects. Significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure were also found (WMD -3.38mmHg; 95% CI: -4.81, -1.94mmHg; P<0.0001), compared with control group. Exercise capacity showed a significant improvement (WMD 1.31; 95% CI: 0.16, 2.47; P<0.03). A moderate to high heterogeneity was observed in our analysis: I(2)=92% to SBP, I(2)=55% to DBP, and I(2)=82% to exercise capacity. CONCLUSIONS:Our meta-analysis showed a positive effect of dance therapy on exercise capacity and reduction of SBP and DBP in individuals with hypertension. However, the moderate to high heterogeneity found in our analysis limits a pragmatic recommendation of dance therapy in individuals with hypertension.
10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.06.182
Effects of dance on cognitive function in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Hewston Patricia,Kennedy Courtney Clare,Borhan Sayem,Merom Dafna,Santaguida Pasqualina,Ioannidis George,Marr Sharon,Santesso Nancy,Thabane Lehana,Bray Steven,Papaioannou Alexandra
Age and ageing
BACKGROUND:dance is a mind-body activity that stimulates neuroplasticity. We explored the effect of dance on cognitive function in older adults. METHODS:we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PsycInfo databases from inception to August 2020 (PROSPERO:CRD42017057138). Inclusion criteria were (i) randomised controlled trials (ii) older adults (aged ≥ 55 years), (iii) intervention-dance and (iv) outcome-cognitive function. Cognitive domains were classified with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 Neurocognitive Framework. Meta-analyses were performed in RevMan5.3 and certainty of evidence with GradePro. RESULTS:we reviewed 3,997 records and included 11 studies (N = 1,412 participants). Seven studies included only healthy older adults and four included those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Dance interventions varied in frequency (1-3×/week), time (35-60 minutes), duration (3-12 months) and type. We found a mean difference (MD) = 1.58 (95% confidence interval [CI) = 0.21-2.95) on the Mini Mental State Examination for global cognitive function (moderate-certainty evidence), and the Wechsler Memory Test for learning and memory had an MD = 3.02 (95% CI = 1.38-4.65; low-certainty evidence). On the Trail Making Test-A for complex attention, MD = 3.07 (95% CI = -0.81 to 6.95; high-certainty evidence) and on the Trail Making Test-B for executive function, MD = -4.12 (95% CI = -21.28 to 13.03; moderate-certainty evidence). Subgroup analyses did not suggest consistently greater effects in older adults with MCI. Evidence is uncertain for language, and no studies evaluated social cognition or perceptual-motor function. CONCLUSIONS:dance probably improves global cognitive function and executive function. However, there is little difference in complex attention, and evidence also suggests little effect on learning and memory. Future research is needed to determine the optimal dose and if dance results in greater cognitive benefits than other types of physical activity and exercise.
10.1093/ageing/afaa270
The Effects of 17 Weeks of Ballet Training on the Autonomic Modulation, Hormonal and General Biochemical Profile of Female Adolescents.
da Silva Carla Cristiane,Goldberg Tamara Beres Lederer,Soares-Caldeira Lúcio Flávio,Dos Santos Oliveira Ricardo,de Paula Ramos Solange,Nakamura Fábio Yuzo
Journal of human kinetics
This study aimed to examine the alterations in physiological and biochemical markers, after 17 weeks of ballet training in high level ballet dancers. Twenty four female ballet dancers from 12 to 15 years old took part in the study. The study followed 17 weeks of ballet training and analyzed changes in body composition, the autonomic nervous system and biochemical variables before and after (post) training. The internal training load was obtained using the session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE) method, calculated as the mean weekly session-RPE, monotony and strain. After 17 weeks of training there were significant increases in body mass, height, lean body mass, total protein, urea, hemoglobin concentration, testosterone and thyroxine. During this period, decreases in relative body fat, uric acid, red blood cells, C-reactive protein, and ferritin were also found. After the training period, the autonomic modulation demonstrated significant positive alterations, such as increases in parasympathetic related indices. Based on the results obtained we concluded that ballet training led to improvements in body composition and autonomic modulation. In general hematological and biochemical variables demonstrated that the training did not have adverse effects on the health state of the adolescents.
10.1515/hukin-2015-0062
Effects of dance interventions on cardiovascular risk with ageing: Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Rodrigues-Krause Josianne,Farinha Juliano Boufleur,Krause Mauricio,Reischak-Oliveira Álvaro
Complementary therapies in medicine
BACKGROUND:Exercising, including dancing, has been recommended to improve cardiovascular health of older people. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis verifying the effects of dance interventions on cardiovascular risk (CVR) in the elderly, comparing dancers to non-exercise controls and other types of exercise, in randomised (RCTs) and non-randomised control trials (nRCTs). Primary/Secondary outcomes: peak oxygen consumption (VOpeak)/anthropometric measurements (body weight, BMI), and lipid profile. METHODS:Data Sources: MEDLINE, Cochrane Wiley, Clinical Trials.gov, PEDRO and LILACS databases. STUDY SELECTION:RCTs and nRCTs comparing elderly before and after dance interventions with non-exercising controls and/or practitioners of other types of exercise. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of included studies. RESULTS:A total of 937 articles were retrieved, 64 full texts were assessed for eligibility, and 7 articles met the inclusion criteria. Pooled mean differences between intervention and control were calculated by random-effects model. VOpeak improved in favour of dancers (3.4mLkgmin, 95%CI: 1.08, 5.78, I2=71%), compared to non-exercise controls. No differences were found between dance and other exercises. Body weight and BMI were not altered by dance interventions. CONCLUSIONS:Dance interventions may increase VOpeak compared to non-exercising controls. Results also indicate it is as effective as other types of exercise in improving aerobic capacity of the elderly. Dancing might be a potential exercise intervention for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and consequent CVR associated with ageing. Proper reporting on adverse events is needed to base the benefits of dancing for the older on both efficacy and safety of the interventions.
10.1016/j.ctim.2016.09.004
The Physical Attributes Most Required in Professional Ballet: A Delphi Study.
McCormack Moira Cameron,Bird Howard,de Medici Akbar,Haddad Fares,Simmonds Jane
Sports medicine international open
It is commonly accepted that dancers are undoubtedly athletes, with ballet perhaps the most demanding dance form. No previous study has sought to define the physical attributes most desired for classical ballet by professional companies and vocational schools. These are likely to include both aesthetic features and attributes that reduce the risk of injury as well as enhance performance. An initial survey question using the modified Delphi technique was sent using Opinio Survey Software to a selected international expert panel. This was drawn both from those involved in selection of elite professional ballet dancers, and the international medical professionals involved in the care of dancers. The first questionnaire was open-ended to scope for all the physical attributes most favoured by the professional experts. There were 148 responses from the panel of international experts. In total 34 physical attributes were suggested. The 2 most recommended physical criteria for selection into the profession were overall flexibility and overall strength. These results are discussed in the context of the published literature on the mechanics, anatomy and physiology of ballet. Flexibility and strength are the 2 features most sought after in elite ballet dancers.
10.1055/a-0798-3570
The Effectiveness of Dance Interventions to Improve Older Adults' Health: A Systematic Literature Review.
Alternative therapies in health and medicine
BACKGROUND:Physical inactivity is commonly observed among individuals aged ≥ 60 y. Identified barriers to sedentary older adults beginning activity include low self-efficacy, pre-existing medical conditions, physical limitations, time constraints, and culture. Dancing has the potential to be an attractive physical activity that can be adjusted to fit a target population's age, physical limitations, and culture. OBJECTIVES:This review examined the benefits to physical health of dance interventions among older adults. METHODS:Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search using the PubMed database was conducted. Eighteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were analyzed for type of intervention, the study's design, participants' demographics, and outcomes, including attrition. RESULTS:The 18 articles reported on studies conducted in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Of the styles of dancing, 6 studies used ballroom, 5 used contemporary, 4 used cultural, 1 used pop, and 2 used jazz. Two studies targeted older adults with pre-existing medical conditions. The average age of participants ranged from 52-87 y. Researchers used a variety of measures to assess effectiveness: (1) 3 of 5 (60%) that used measures to assess flexibility showed significant positive results; (2) 23 of 28 (82%) that used measures of muscular strength and endurance showed significant positive changes; (3) 8 of 9 (89%) that used measures of balance showed significant positive changes; (4) 8 of 10 (80%) that used measures of cognitive ability showed significant positive changes; and (5) the one that measured cardiovascular endurance showed significant positive changes. Only 6 studies reported participation, and they found low attrition. CONCLUSIONS:The findings suggest that dance, regardless of its style, can significantly improve muscular strength and endurance, balance, and other aspects of functional fitness in older adults. Future researchers may want to analyze the effects of dance on mental health and explore ways to make this intervention attractive to both genders. Standardizing outcome measures for dance would facilitate meta-analysis.
The effect of first ballet classes in the community on various postural parameters in young girls.
Moller Anna,Masharawi Youssef
Physical therapy in sport : official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine
OBJECTIVE:To examine the effect of first season ballet classes in the community on the thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), hip external rotation (ER) and joint flexibility in young girls. DESIGN:Longitudinal single blinded cohort control study. SETTING:Institutional. PARTICIPANTS:30 girls aged 6-9, recruited from the same primary school were divided equally into 2 groups: a group bi-weekly community ballet class and a sedentary control group. INTERVENTION:All girls were assessed prior to ballet classes (t(0)), at the conclusion (t(1)) (6 months), and approximately one year later (t(fu)). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Beighton score for joint hyper-flexibility, peak of TK and LL, range of hip ER, ratio TK/LL, and individual's height, weight and BMI. RESULTS:LL at t1 became greater in the ballet girls' group (23.7°± 6) as opposed to the controls (19.5°±3.9) due to a decrease in LL in the controls from t0 to t1 (mean difference = -16.5°) (cut-off score = 3.45°) (p < 0.05). TK decreased from t0 to t1 in the ballet girls' group (mean difference = -26.1°) and controls (mean difference = -31.3°) (cut-off score = 4.85°) (p < 0.05). Left hip ER decreased only in the controls from t0 to t1 (mean difference = -13.8°) (cut-off score = 5.43°) (p < 0.05). Beighton score at tfu was greater in the ballet girls' group (6.1 ± 2.3) as opposed to the controls (4.4 ± 1.5) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:First season ballet classes for young girls in the community can be associated with relatively greater LL, and left hip ER and joint hyper-flexibility.
10.1016/j.ptsp.2011.04.001
Pictorial review: MRI features of foot and ankle injuries in ballet dancers.
Hillier J C,Peace K,Hulme A,Healy J C
The British journal of radiology
Foot and ankle pain is common in ballet dancers. Although clinical examination often points to the underlying cause, imaging is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis and thus ensure appropriate future management. Factors predisposing to the increased incidence of injuries in this population include the classical position in which ballet dancers stand, which is on the tips of the toes in the en pointe position or on the balls of the feet in the demi-pointe position. Furthermore, the repetitious nature of ballet and the long hours spent rehearsing cause over-use injuries. The causes of foot and ankle pain can be thought of in four different groups: the impingement syndromes; tendon abnormalities; osseous pathology; and ligament abnormalities. These will be discussed and illustrated.
10.1259/bjr/60447506