Dance for Health: An Intergenerational Program to Increase Access to Physical Activity.
Krista Schroeder, Sarah J Ratcliffe, Adriana Perez and 3 others
PMID 28733128WHAT IT FOUND
Weight and BMI z-score did not change, but free two-hour line dancing was highly enjoyed and often reached target heart rate in adults; only half of children did.
Key findings
01Most participants attended only 1 or 2 sessions, and children attended fewer sessions than adults (1.9±1.2 vs 2.4±1.8).
02Adults reached target heart rate more often than children: 80.5% of adults versus 50.6% of children.
03Weight and BMI z-score did not change, while both adults and children rated enjoyment high on a 35-point modified PACES scale (adults 34.0, children 32.8).
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
The study was an observational evaluation of an existing community program, with no randomization or control group, so it cannot show that dance caused the outcomes. Participants were a convenience sample open to all West Philadelphia community members, and there was no consistent intervention group because attendance varied. The program was short and low frequency, with most participants attending only 1 or 2 sessions. The study did not collect continuous heart rate monitoring or body fat measures such as bioelectrical impedance analysis. Results were from a largely African American, mostly female sample in one neighborhood, so they may not apply to other communities. Nurse-delivered care was not tested; statements about nurses' role are in the Discussion.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that line dancing improves children's cardiovascular fitness or reduces adiposity. The study had no control group, weight and BMI z-score did not change, and only half of children reached target heart rate.