Abstract P246: Influence of Latin Dance on Physical Activity Among Community Dwelling Older Latino Adults
Background: The American Heart Association’s 2020 goals target seven key risk factors including physical activity (PA) which can reduce risk for cardiovascular disease. Older Hispanic/Latino individuals are usually not physically active at recommended levels. Dance is a culturally appropriate form of PA for older Latinos and physically challenges individuals to engage in this activity. Objective: To test the impact of a dance program, BAILAMOS©, on lifestyle PA. Methods: Participants from a pilot clinical trial (N=57) were randomly assigned to a 4-month twice-weekly dance program or a weekly health education (control group). They completed the CHAMPS PA questionnaire to assess leisure activity and also engaged in a 400 meter walk test pre- and post-program. Results: Participants were low active, older [ M ( SD ) age= 64.9 (5.9)], Spanish-speaking [81.8% Mexican, years in US= 31.2 (16.8), years of education = 7.0 (4.3)], majority were female [81.8%], and there were no statistically significant differences between groups. There was a main effect for time in minutes of light, moderate, and vigorous leisure physical activity (LMVLPA) per week F(5.2)= p<.05. The dance group reported 650.56 (472.54) minutes of LMVLPA at baseline and reported 817.78 (529.37) minutes of LMVLPA at post-testing. The health education group reported 522.78 (368.57) minutes of LMVLPA at baseline and reported 628.89 (387.46) minutes of LMVLPA at post-testing. A repeated measures ANOVA revealed a main effect for time F(9.25) = p<.05 for the 400 meter walk test. Dance participants completed the walk in 429.90 (66.28) seconds at baseline and 391.83 (58.80) seconds at post-testing. Health education participants completed the walk in 419.25 (93.78) seconds at baseline and 409.10 (74.31) seconds at post-testing. Conclusion: A culturally appropriate dance intervention is a viable approach for older Hispanic/Latino individuals to engage and increase PA, and it is possible that participation in regular dancing can improve physical function, such as walking.