Effects of jazz dance and concurrent training on physical variables in postmenopausal women

This study aimed to analyze the effects of jazz dance or concurrent training on the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscle strength and sleep quality of postmenopausal women.

A randomized clinical trial with 6-month and 12-month follow-up was conducted including 70 postmenopausal women (mean age 53.19 ± 3.39 years). Participants were randomized into the jazz dance intervention (JD) group, concurrent training intervention (CT) group and control group (CG). CRF was assessed using the 6-min walk test, muscle strength using the isokinetic dynamometer and sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index questionnaire. Generalized estimating equations with post-hoc minimum significant difference were used, and intention-to-treat and protocol adherence analyses were performed.

CRF showed changes between groups, times and interactions, but the CT group achieved greater gains compared to the JD group. Isokinetic strength showed long-term intragroup improvement for both intervention groups, at peak extension and flexion. Intergroup differences were observed, with the JD group presenting higher means in peak extension at all times compared to the CG post intervention; however, the CT group achieved higher means compared to the JD group; and at peak flexion, the JD group presented with higher averages compared to the CG post intervention. The JD group showed an improvement in sleep duration in the short term, while the CT group did so at the 6-month follow-up. There were intergroup changes in the reduction in sleep medication in both intervention groups compared to the CG.

Both modalities are effective for improving CRF, muscle strength and sleep quality.