Why not dance our way to health?

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Olivier S. Descamps1, Caroline Daumerie2, Sylvie Bourgeois3, Sarah Fuller4 Published in the journal : September 2016 Category : Internal Medicine

Summary :

Dance is an enjoyable and simple activity, which can be practiced in solo, duo, or group. Numerous studies have already suggested the benefits of dancing for cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health. Furthermore, dancing is associated with a high adhesion rate as compared to other more conventional physical exercise programs. This activity should certainly be encouraged more strongly, not only at an individual level so as to promote good health and well-being, but also as part of prevention, rehabilitation, and treatment programs of specific diseases.

What is already known about the topic?

  • Physical inactivity is associated with higher mortality
  • Encouragements for increased physical activity are often useless

What does this article bring up for us?

  • Dancing has been shown to provide cardiovascular, neurological, and mental health benefits that are sometimes exceeding those of more conventional physical activity programs.
  • Dance is also associated with a higher adherence rate as compared to more conventional programs.
  • This activity should be recommended more often in order to prevent and treat certain diseases.

Key Words

Dance, health promotion, disease prevention, physical activity, cardiovascular disease, diabete, obesity, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease.