Effectiveness of a flamenco and sevillanas program to enhance mobility, balance, physical activity, blood pressure, body mass, and quality of life in postmenopausal women living in the community in Spain: a randomized clinical trial

Objective:This study aimed to test the effectiveness of a dance therapy program in improving mobility, balance, physical activity, blood pressure (BP), body mass, and quality of life in postmenopausal women in Spain.Methods:Fifty-two sedentary postmenopausal women (mean age 69.273.85 y) were randomly assigned to receive either dance therapy (n=27) or self-care treatment advice (n=25). The intervention group participated in 2 months of dance therapy, three sessions weekly, based on Spanish folk dance (flamenco and sevillanas). The control group was provided a booklet containing physical activity recommendations. Mobility, balance, physical activity, BP, body mass, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and posttreatment in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed using a 2x2 analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results:Women in the intervention group showed significant improvements in mobility and balance (timed up-and-go test [P=0.022], cognitive timed up-and-go [P=0.029], and one-leg stance test results [P=0.001]), physical activity (total time index [P=0.045], energy expenditure [P=0.007], vigorous physical activity [P=0.001], leisure activity [P=0.001], moving [P<0.001], and activity dimension summary [P=0.001]), and fitness (overall fitness [P=0.039], cardiorespiratory fitness [P<0.001], speed-agility [P=0.001], and flexibility [P=0.007]) compared with those in the control group. No differences were observed in BP, body mass, or quality of life.Conclusions:Spanish dance therapy may be effective to improve mobility, balance, and levels of physical activity and fitness in sedentary postmenopausal women.