The Effects of Dance Program Participation on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

This study examined the effects of dance program participation on cardiovascular disease risk factors in women in their 60s. Thirty healthy women were recruited and assigned to either a dance group(n=15) or a non-participation control group(n=15). The dance group had engaged in a structured dance program for at least 5 years, with a minimum frequency of twice per week. Cardiovascular variables included maximal oxygen uptake(˙V O2max), systolic and diastolic blood pressure(SBP and DBP), bilateral brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and ankle-brachial index(ABI). Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests. The dance group demonstrated significantly lower SBP and DBP compared with the non-participation group. While the non-participation group was classified as Stage 1 hypertension, the dance group remained within elevated or normal blood pressure ranges. Bilateral baPWV values were significantly lower in the dance group, indicating reduced arterial stiffness. In addition, ˙V O2max and ABI were significantly higher in the dance group, reflecting superior cardiorespiratory fitness and vascular function. Long-term dance participation was associated with higher ˙V O2max, lower blood pressure, reduced arterial stiffness, and improved vascular function in women in their 60s. These findings suggest that regular dance participation may be an effective strategy for reducing cardiovascular disease risk in middle-aged women.