RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Dancing is a type of physical activity that has been associated with physical benefits in older adults. Regular dancing can help maintain physical function and improve the quality of life in this population. This review evaluated randomized control trials (RCTs) of the effectiveness of dance programs on the physical function of healthy older adults. METHODS: We systematically searched four databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and ThaiLis) through December 2021 for primary studies evaluating dance programs in healthy older adults aged 60 years and over. The meta-analysis used a random-effects model to compute the effect sizes using a forest plot and Cochran's Q and I2 statistics as heterogeneity measures. RESULTS: Eight types of dance programs showed significantly improved physical function. Muscle strength was assessed using the five times sit-to-stand test (I2=89%; p=0.003), chair-sit-to-stand-30S test (I2=75%; p=0.006), and 30-s arm curl test (I2=22%; p=0.260). Static balance was evaluated using the Berg-balance scales test (I2=0%; p=0.620) and the one-leg-stand test (I2=32%; p=0.220). Dynamic balance was tested based on the time up-and-go and eight-foot up-and-go tests (I2=51%; p=0.110). Flexibility was assessed based on the back-scratch (I2=56%; p=0.130) and sit-and-reach test (I2=0%; p=0.930). CONCLUSION: Dance exercise programs improved muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Such programs are effective and safe for healthy older adults for use as daily exercise to promote health. Therefore, researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers should establish properly organized dance interventions to improve physical function in healthy older adults.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Thai traditional massage (TTM) on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and headache intensity in patients with chronic tension-type and migraine headaches. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial of TTM compared with the sham ultrasound (nine sessions each) during a 3-week period. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-two participants who had had a headache diagnosis for at least 3 months before the experiment was recruited. RESULTS: After the treatment and at 3 and 9 weeks of follow-up, the TTM group showed a significant increase in PPT (p<0.01) compared with the sham ultrasound group. PPT values at baseline, after 3 weeks of treatment, and at 3- and 9-week follow-up for the TTM group were 2.71 ± 1.22, 3.57 ± 1.41, 3.72 ± 1.46, and 3.42 ± 1.46 pounds/cm(2), respectively; values in the sham ultrasound group were 2.85 ± 1.20, 2.62 ± 1.07, 2.58 ± 1.05 and 2.63 ± 0.94 pounds/cm(2). In both groups, headache intensity decreased significantly (p<0.05) at every end point of the outcome measures, and there were no differences between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: TTM could increase PPT and reduce headache intensity, suggesting that this is a possible alternative treatment for chronic headaches.
