Simple dance moves can improve mobility in those with severe arthritis

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Benefits of Dance:

Simple dance moves can improve mobility in those with severe arthritis

http://www.arthritiswebsite.com/news/journals/Empdance.jsp

A new report suggests that persons with severe rheumatoid arthritis may

be able to dance their way to better cardiovascular health and improved

mobility. Researchers at Laval University's Rehabilitation Institute,

Quebec, observed a group of ten women with severe rheumatoid arthritis

who participated in an eight week, dance-based exercise program that

incorporated stretches, controlled rhythmic movements and low-impact

dance steps. Despite their significant functional limitations,

participants were able to perform the exercises for a sufficient

duration to allow training benefits. The report, published in the April

issue of Arthritis Care and Research, says that participants had a wider

range of movement, greater walking speed and improved cardiovascular

health after completing the dance program.

Each week, participants attended two hour-long classes, which included

warm-up stretches, aerobic dance movements, recovery exercises and

cool-down stretches. In addition to checking joint function before and

after each exercise session, researchers measured each participant's

hip, knee and ankle movements when walking. As physical ability

improved, researchers also noted less depression, anxiety, tension and

fatigue among the test subjects. Attendance during the eight-week

program was nearly perfect.

The researchers conclude that this type of dance program is a feasible

option for rheumatoid arthritis patients who may have limb deformities

or severely limited function. Previous exercise studies have excluded

this specific patient population.