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Updated: Dec 19, 2025
Community-based Adapted Tango Dancing for Individuals with Parkinson's Disease and Older Adults
Published on: December 9, 2014
Thai dance exercises benefited functional mobility and fall rates among community-dwelling older individuals
Chonticha Kaewjoho1,2, Lugkana Mato1,2, Thiwabhorn Thaweewannakij1,2
1School of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Background:
With dramatic increase in the number of older individuals, special efforts have been made to promote the levels of independence and reduce fall rates among these individuals.
Objective:
To investigate the effects of Thai dance exercises over 6 weeks on functional mobility and fall rates in community-dwelling older individuals.
Methods:
Sixty-one community-dwelling older adults were interviewed and assessed for their demographics and fall data during 6 months prior to participation in the study. Then they completed the quasi-experimental Thai dance exercise program for 50 minutes/day, 3 days/week over 6 weeks. Their functional mobility relating to levels of independence and safety were assessed prior to training, at 3-week and 6-week training. After completing the program at 6 weeks, participants were prospectively monitored for fall data over 6 months.
Results:
Participants improved their functional mobility significantly after 3- and 6-week training . The number of faller individuals obviously decreased from 35% prior to training to only 8% after training .
Conclusion:
The current findings further extend benefits of Thai dance as an alternative musical exercise program to promote levels of independence and safety among community-dwelling older adults.
