Dance therapy: the role of ballroom dancing in health promotion

Relevance. In the context of the growth of chronic diseases and psychoemotional stress, the search for accessible, motivating and multifactorial methods of health improvement is of particular importance. Ballroom dancing combines physical activity, creative realization and social involvement, which makes them a promising direction for prevention and rehabilitation. Objective. To study the effect of regular ballroom dancing on the physical, psychoemotional and social health of adults. Materials and methods. The prospective controlled study involved 68 people (34 — the main group, 34 — the control group), aged from 22 to 64 years. The following methods were used: questionnaires, SAN questionnaire, Spielberg anxiety scale, heart rate variability measurements (HF component), as well as the author's motivation scale (1–7 points). Statistical processing was carried out in the Stattech package, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results. Participants in the main group demonstrated a significant improvement in motor coordination, a decrease in anxiety (by 10.7 points on the Spielberg anxiety scale, p < 0.001), an increase in the HF index (by 24.8 %, p < 0.01), improved sleep, increased self-esteem and expanded social activity. The level of motivation for physical activity in the main group was 6.2 points versus 3.7 in the control group (p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between the duration of classes, health level and emotional stability. Conclusions. Dance therapy in the form of sports and ballroom dancing has a systemic positive effect on the body. A high level of motivation makes dancing a promising tool for sustainable health improvement. This method deserves widespread implementation in the practice of preventive and restorative medicine.