Scottish country dance: benefits to functional ability in older women

Dewhurst, Susan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2747-9122 , Nelson, Norah, Dougall, Paul K. and Bampouras, Theodoros ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8991-4655 (2014) Scottish country dance: benefits to functional ability in older women. Journal of Aging & Physical Activity, 22 (1). pp. 146-153. Item availability may be restricted.

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Abstract

The effects of long-term participation in Scottish country dance on body composition, functional ability, and balance in healthy older females were examined. Participants were grouped into dancers and physically active nondancers (ages 60-70 and 70-80 for both groups). Physical activity, body composition (body-mass index, skinfold thickness, waist-to-hip ratio), functional ability (6-min walk distance, 6-m walk time, 8-ft up-and-go time, lower body flexibility, shoulder flexibility), and static balance were measured. Younger dancers and physically active nondancers had similar 6-min walk distance, 6-m walk time, and 8-ft up-and-go time results; however, while older dancers performed similarly to younger dancers, older physically active nondancers performed poorer than their younger counterparts (p < .05). Body composition and static balance were the same for all groups. Regular physical activity can maintain body composition and postural stability with advancing age; however, Scottish country dance can delay the effects of aging on locomotion-related functional abilities.

Item Type:	Article
Journal / Publication Title:	Journal of Aging & Physical Activity
Publisher:	Human Kinetics
ISSN:	1063-8652
Departments:	Academic Departments > Medical & Sport Sciences (MSS) > Sports and Physical Activity
Depositing User:	Insight Administrator
Date Deposited:	07 Apr 2014 14:20
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2024 12:16
URI:	https://insight.cumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/1539