Monthly Archives: March 2021


Effects of Single-Task Versus Dual-Task Training on Balance Performance in Older Adults: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial

Patima Silsupadol, PT, PhD, Anne Shumway-Cook, PT, PhD, Vipul Lugade, MS, Paul van Donkelaar, PhD,
Li-Shan Chou, PhD, Ulrich Mayr, PhD, Marjorie H. Woollacott, PhD

Summary:
Dual-task training is effective in improving gait speed under dual-task conditions in elderly participants with balance impairment. Training balance under single-task conditions may not generalize to balance control during dual- task contexts. Explicit instruction regarding attentional focus is an important factor contributing to the rate of learning and the retention of the dual-task training effect.

Year study was published: 2009

Click here to read the full article

 

Association of Dance-Based Mind-Motor Activities With Falls and Physical Function Among Healthy Older Adults A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Michèle Mattle, MSc, MPH; Patricia O. Chocano-Bedoya, MD, PhD; Melanie Fischbacher, MSc; Ursina Meyer, PhD; Lauren A. Abderhalden, PhD; Wei Lang, PhD; Richard Mansky, MD; Reto W. Kressig, MD; Johann Steurer, MD; E. John Orav, PhD; Heike A. Bischoff-Ferrari, MD, DrPH

Summary:
Are dance-based mind-motor activities associated with benefits for fall prevention and better physical functions, such as balance, mobility, and strength, in healthy adults 65 years and older? This systematic review and meta-analysis of 29 randomized clinical trials found that dance based mind-motor interventions were associated with a statistically significant reduction (37%) in fall risk and a statistically significant reduced rate (31%) of falls. There was a statistically significant association between favorable physical function outcomes and dance-based mind-motor activities for participants in the dance-based mind-motor intervention groups compared with those in the control groups.

Dance-based mind-motor activities may help fall prevention efforts in healthy older adults.

Year study was published: 2020

Click here to read the full article

 

Dual-task exercises in older adults: A structured review of current literature

Luz A. Varela-Vásquez, Eduard Minobes-Molina, Javier Jerez-Roig


Summary:

Considerable attention has recently focused on the role of dual-task exercises (DT) in the older adult. The aim was to conduct a review to describe the dual-task exercises that have been shown to be effective in improving balance and other physical characteristics such as decreased falling and walking speed in older adults. Review of intervention studies, in the Pubmed, PEDro, CINAHL and Web of Science databases. The search produced 498 references, 11 of which were identified with the description of the dual-task exercises, finding a wide variety of exercises, as well as great variability of outcome measures, discovering that the dual task is predominantly used for balance and walking speed training. All studies presented at least one group performing a double cognitive-motor task, some studies used the fixed priority modality in one group and variable in another, finding greater improvements in variable prioritisation. It can be said that dual-task training in older adults can improve balance and walking speed, which in turn reduces the risk of falling only if the planned dual-task training meets certain characteristics, such as training in specific concepts crucial in motor learning and dual-task training modalities.


Year study was published: 2020

Click here to read the full article

 

Looking Forward!

This was the last dance we did in-person inside.  Susan’s class at the Madison Central Library was a line dance created by young people in Vietnam in reaction to the Ghen Cô Vy Challenge from the Vietnamese Government. It was a way to spread the message about washing hands and staying safe from the coronavirus.

We are looking VERY much FORWARD to getting back to in-person dancing! Remember to check our Classes page regularly, or sign up for our email list to stay in the know.

Whether you join us or not – KEEP MOVING! 


New Classes – Spring & Summer 2021!

There are SO MANY WAYS to keep dancing! Remember, just three hours a week of challenging your balance (dancing being a FUN way) is shown by research to reduce falls risk! Start today!

Ballroom Basics for Balance has been growing and changing with this past year. We are ready to offer you some new classes!
See our Classes webpage for ALL the details.

Spring 2021 – sponsored by Madison Senior Center

  • Krista and Atala continue their amazing class with a new series on Fridays from 10a – 11a, starting 09 April.
  • NEW! “Next Steps” BB4B is an intermediate offering for those who have taken the class in the past and those looking for more of a challenge! Starting 07 April, Wednesdays for six (6) weeks – to get us to the warmer weather for more in-person offerings!

Summer 2021 – Get ready for OPEN AIR CLASSES! Stay tuned to this list and our Classes webpage for new offerings as soon as they are here.

What does Fall bring? Hopefully even more in-person classes. Virtual, too? We hope so! It has been wonderful to have you here from across the state and the country this year!

Non-BB4B offerings –

  • We highly recommend the Dance for PD classes! Take advantage of these joyful, artful offerings by company members of the famed Mark Morris Dance Company from NYC! Appropriate for ALL people, and created with those who have Parkinsons.
  • Check out YouTube! Really!
    • So many people have bumped up their virtual offerings…there are riches!
    • Simply type in the dance style you would like. Or search for “beginner [dance style]” or “simple [dance style]”.
    • For example, I found this WONDERFUL line dance (Jerusalema) and the channel it came from – “Beginner Dance Tutorials” – I love that the teacher says “it’s all about moving and having fun…if you are moving, you are doing it right!” 

I am going to steal this dance and use it in my next in-person offering!

We’d love to see you, or at least hear from you, soon!