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The impact of a senior dancing program on spinal and peripheral bone mass
S Kudlacek1, F Pietschmann, P Bernecker
1Hospital Barmherzige Brüder, Medical Department, Vienna, Austria.
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
|February 7, 1998
Summary
Senior dancing may improve lumbar bone density, particularly in women with osteoporosis. Regular exercise is key for senior health, and this study explored dancing
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Bone Health
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Physical activity is crucial for maintaining health in senior citizens.
- The impact of specific exercises like dancing on bone density in older adults requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of senior dancing on peripheral and lumbar bone density.
- To determine if dancing influences bone mineral density (BMD) in older women.
Main Methods:
- A 12-month prospective study involving 28 female senior dancers (mean age 67).
- Lumbar bone density measured by quantitative computed tomography (qCT); radial bone density by single photon absorptiometry.
- Participants were subgrouped into osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic based on BMD.
Main Results:
- No significant overall effect of dancing on radial or lumbar bone density in the entire group.
- A significant increase in lumbar bone density was observed in the osteoporotic subgroup (Group I).
- No changes in BMD were noted in the non-osteoporotic subgroup (Group II) or in radial bone density for either group.
Conclusions:
- Senior dancing may benefit lumbar bone density, especially in older women with osteoporosis.
- Increased osteoblastic activity (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) suggests enhanced bone formation in the osteoporotic group.
- Dancing's effect on bone density appears dependent on baseline bone status.