Thai dance exercises benefited functional mobility and fall rates among community-dwelling older individuals

Abstract

Background: With dramatic increase in the number of older individuals, special efforts have been made to promote the levels of independence and reduce fall rates among these individuals. Objective: To investigate the effects of Thai dance exercises over 6 weeks on functional mobility and fall rates in community-dwelling older individuals. Methods: Sixty-one community-dwelling older adults were interviewed and assessed for their demographics and fall data during 6 months prior to participation in the study. Then they completed the quasi-experimental Thai dance exercise program for 50 minutes/day, 3 days/week over 6 weeks. Their functional mobility relating to levels of independence and safety were assessed prior to training, at 3-week and 6-week training. After completing the program at 6 weeks, participants were prospectively monitored for fall data over 6 months. Results: Participants improved their functional mobility significantly after 3- and 6-week training (p<0.01). The number of faller individuals obviously decreased from 35% (n=21) prior to training to only 8% (n=5) after training (p<0.01). Conclusion: The current findings further extend benefits of Thai dance as an alternative musical exercise program to promote levels of independence and safety among community-dwelling older adults.

Keywords

• older adult
• fall
• balance
• walking
• cultural dance