Dancing improves lower limb function in cardiac rehabilitation programme
The implementation of a CRP using Greek traditional dances as exercise training in elderly CHF patients was safe and effective at improving lower limb function.
Impact of traditional Greek dancing on jumping ability, muscular strength and lower limb endurance in cardiac rehabilitation programmesLiterature - Vordos Z et al., Eur J CV Nurs 2016
Vordos Z, Kouidi E, Mavrovouniotis F, et al.
Eur J CV Nurs 2016;published online ahead of print
Background
Cardiac rehabilitation programmes (CRPs) are recommended for the management of CVD and data supports their contribution to reduced mortality and morbidity [1,2].CRPs consist of various therapeutic approaches, including psychological support, appropriate dietary instructions and education, however, the cornerstone of a CRP is exercise training [3].The combination of aerobic, flexibility and resistance exercise training has been shown to improve all physical fitness parameters, including functional capacity, as well as the quality of life of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) [4].
Dancing is an alternative and attractive way of exercise, which requires complicated, rhythmic, balanced and synchronised motor activity [5,6]. Moreover, Greek traditional dances contribute to socialisation, reduction of anxiety and mild depression, and improvement of quality of life [7,8].
In this study, a CRP was evaluated that included a 12-week exercise training programme based on Greek traditional dances as the main component and alternative form of exercise, in 40 elderly CHF patients with NYHA ≤II. The CRP was assessed by measuring exercise capacity, lower extremity muscle strength, and jumping ability.
Main results
Compared to baseline, 12-weeks of CRP with Greek traditional dances (n=20) led to significant improvements in:- walking distance: 10.0% improvement in 6-min WT; P<0.05
- lower limb strength: 10.32% improvement; P<0.05
- countermovement jump speed: 6.9%; P<0.05
- squat jump speed: 5.8%; P<0.05
- jump plyometry height: 13.86%; P<0.05
- counter jump height: 10.68%; P<0.05
- squat jump height: 10.45%; P<0.05
- contact time of plyometry jump: 9.4%; P<0.05
- force of countermovement jump: 9.6%; P<0.05
- plyometry jump: r=0.79; P<0.01
- countermovement jump: r=0.83; P<0.01
- squat jump: r=0.86; P<0.01
Conclusion
The implementation of a CRP using Greek traditional dances as exercise training in elderly CHF patients was safe and effective in improving lower limb function. Dancing may contribute to the modernization of CRPs and increase the participation of CHF patients in exercise training programmes.Find this article online at Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs
References
1. Wong W, Feng J, Pwee K, et al. A systematic review of economic evaluations of cardiac rehabilitation. BMC Health Serv Res 2012; 12: 243
2. Taylor R, Brown A, Ebrahim S, et al. Exercise-based rehabilitation for patients with coronary heart disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Med 2004; 116: 682–692
3. Papathanasiou G, Tsamis N, Georgiadou P, et al. Beneficial effects of physical training and methodology of exercise prescription in patients with heart failure. Hellenic J Cardiol 2008; 49: 267–277
4. Fletcher G, Balady G, Amsterdam E, et al. Exercise standards for testing and training: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association. Circulation 2001; 104: 1964–1740.
5. Eyigor S, Karapolat H, Durmaz B, et al. A randomized controlled trial of Turkish folklore dance on the physical performance, balance, depression and quality of life in older women. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2009; 48: 84–88
6. Belardinelli R, Lacalaprice F, Ventrella C, et al. Waltz dancing in patients with chronic heart failure: new form of exercise training. Circ Heart Fail 2008; 1; 107–114
7. Pitsi A, Smilios I, Tokmakidis S, et al. Heart rate and oxygen consumption of middle aged people during the performance of Greek traditional dances. Inquiries in Sport & Physical Education 2008; 6: 329–339
8. Prantsidis I. Dancing in the Greek tradition and its teaching. Agrinio 2002: 27