A standard ballroom and Latin dance program to improve fitness and adherence to physical activity in individuals with type 2 diabetes and in obesity

Abstract

ObjectiveTo test the effectiveness of a dance program to improve fitness and adherence to physical activity in subjects with type 2 diabetes and obesity.Research Design and MethodsFollowing a motivational interviewing session, 100 subjects with diabetes and/or obesity were enrolled either in a dance program (DP, n = 42) or in a self-selected physical activity program (SSP, n = 58), according to their preferences. Outcome measures were reduced BMI/waist circumference, improved metabolic control in type 2 diabetes (−0.3% reduction of HbA1c) and improved fitness (activity expenditure >10 MET-hour/week; 10% increase in 6-min walk test (6MWT)). Target achievement was tested at 3 and 6 months, after adjustment for baseline data (propensity score).ResultsAttrition was lower in DP. Both programs significantly decreased body weight (on average, −2.6 kg; P < 0.001) and waist circumference (DP, −3.2 cm; SSP, −2.2; P < 0.01) at 3 months, and the results were maintained at 6 months. In DP, the activity-related energy expenditure averaged 13.5 ± 1.8 MET-hour/week in the first three months and 14.1 ± 3.0 in the second three-month period. In SSP, activity energy expenditure was higher but highly variable in the first three-month period (16.5 ± 13.9 MET-hour/week), and decreased in the following three months (14.2 ± 12.3; P vs. first period < 0.001). At three months, no differences in target achievement were observed between groups. After six months the odds to attain the MET, 6MWT and A1c targets were all significantly associated with DP.ConclusionDance may be an effective strategy to implement physical activity in motivated subjects with type 2 diabetes or obesity (Clinical trial reg. no.NCT02021890, clinicaltrials.gov).

Regular Latin Dancing and Health Education May Improve Cognition of Late Middle-Aged and Older Latinos

“…In Italy, Mangeri and colleagues had middle- and older-aged adults with diabetes and/or obesity enroll in either a dance program or in a self-selected PA program. Both programs significantly decreased body composition at 3 months and 6 months (Mangeri, Montesi, Forlani, Grave, & Marchesini, 2014), but participants were not randomized into study conditions, and cognition was not assessed. Recent evidence suggests that Latin partnered social dance to salsa music is of moderate to vigorous PA intensity, and promotes interest, enjoyment, and a positive psychological outlook among novice to advanced adult Latin dancers (Domene, Moir, Pummell, & Easton, 2014).…”

Early declines in physical function among aging adults with type 2 diabetes

“…Physical function was measured using the six-minute walk test (6MWT) (Guyatt et al, 1985) a common field test shown to be reliable, valid, and safe in adults (including elderly adults) with a variety of medical conditions, including diabetes (Alfonso-Rosa, Del Pozo-Cruz, Del Pozo-Cruz, Sanudo, & Rogers, 2014; Dunbar et al, 2015; Ekman, Klintenberg, Bjorck, Norstrom, & Ridderstrale, 2013; Enright, 2003; Enright et al, 2003; Mangeri, Montesi, Forlani, Dalle Grave, & Marchesini, 2014; Pariser, Ann Demeuro, Gillette, & Stephen, 2010). The 6MWD has been shown to reflect the capacity for usual daily activities (Zeballos & Weisman, 2002) and walking ability (Ekman et al, 2013).…”

Effectiveness of Exercise on Visceral Adipose Tissue in Older South Asian Women

“…Our SE program was designed to adhere to current intensity recommendations for exercise (10), whereas our BD program was a group fitness class that made it challenging to assign individual HR intensities. It is not unusual in social fitness classes for exercise to be performed at a higher intensity because of the lack of awareness of the discomfort of exercise (23). When comparing the intensity of the BD and SE programs, it is likely that the intensity achieved during BD was greater, as reflected in the significant improvement in aerobic fitness in the BD but not in the SE group.…”

“…However, despite the consistent protocol, the attendance at the BD program was higher (78%) than the SE program (67%). Dance interventions (23,33), specifically BD, have shown excellent adherence when offered as an exercise program because of their perceived improved energy levels, decreased stress, and enjoyable social environment (23,33). In personal statements from the BD participants, we received similar feedback indicating their enjoyment of the BD program for its social aspect and fun atmosphere.…”

“…As South Asian women participate in very little physical activity (7), we designed our study to include a form of exercise that is embedded in the South Asian culture, namely, BD, with the intention that this would be more acceptable to our target participants (23). All women were encouraged to attend exercise classes and were contacted if they missed a class.…”