Immediate Effects of a “Toes Dance” on Balance Function Among Older Adults Living in the Community

Abstract

【Introduction】Maintenance of balance is related to the ability to stand, move, and walk and influences functions of daily life. In this study, we implemented the “Toes Dance”, which involves exercising the toes and ankles to music, at a health class for older adults living in the community and examined the immediate effects of the program on improving balance function. This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of the “Toes Dance” on the ability to hold a one‐leg standing posture for a certain length of time. 【Methods】The inclusion criteria for the study subjects were older adult participants in the “Toe Dance” who were not certified for long‐term care and who gave their consent to participate in the study, and the exclusion criteria were those who had missing measurement data. The“Toes Dance” was performed using an approximately 11‐minute DVD video. The immediate effect of the “Toes Dance” before and after its implementation, was examined separately for men and women. 【Results】The mean age of the 21 subjects analyzed for immediate effects was 74.29±5.03 years. The median and quarti‐les of one‐leg standing holding time were 25.00 (7.50‐35.00)seconds before, and 33.00(15.50‐48.50)seconds after “Toes Dance”, with a significant difference (P＝0.033)in the before/after comparison. The effect size was r＝0.47 (Medium to large). 【Conclusion】Balance function was improved as a result of the “Toes Dance,” in which a variety of toes and ankles exer‐cises were performed to music for older community residents. It was thought that the various movements activated plan‐tar mechanoreceptors, which affected postural control. “Toes Dance” is an effective method for improving balance in older adults and can be performed in any environment where OVDs can be viewed.