Effects of Bolero basic steps on balance and functional mobility in post-stroke hemiparesis: A pilot study

Problems with balance are common after a stroke, and dancing can be a beneficial adjunctive approach to rehabilitation. Dancing can be seen as a strategy to increase motivation, as it may be able to improve motor patterns of stroke patients. In this sense, Bolero is a Cuban rhythm that includes slight movements and provides stimuli to engage one physically and make one learn new motor patterns. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of Bolero basic steps and stretching to the balance of stroke patients.

The study included a sample of 11 individuals diagnosed with stroke, who were assessed before and after training Bolero steps and stretching. Participants were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and Functional Reaching Test (FRT). The sessions took place twice a week for 6 weeks with an average duration of 50 min per session. Stretching exercises were sustained for 30 s each. After stretching, Bolero steps were taught with gradually increasing difficulty levels. Stretches were repeated at the end of the session.

Paired sample t-tests showed significant difference in all instruments pre-versus post-therapy (p < 0,05).

Based on the results, the performance of Bolero steps was feasible for these individuals, the duration and intensity of the classes were well tolerated and there was a significant improvement in balance. These findings corroborate studies carried out with other types of dance, such as Tango, Jazz and Merengue, with post-stroke patients.

Training the basic steps of Bolero and stretching significantly improved balance in this sample of stroke patients.