NNA |
Update: Jul 31, 2021 9:04 PM STI
Washington [US]Jul 31 (ANI): A new study has suggested that dancing may improve cholesterol levels, physical fitness, self-image and self-esteem in postmenopausal women.
Women often struggle to manage their weight and other health risk factors, such as high cholesterol, once they go through menopause. This new study found that dancing can actually lower cholesterol levels, improve fitness and body composition, and in the process, boost self-esteem.
The study results were published online in “Menopause,” the journal of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS).
After menopause, women are more likely to experience weight gain, increased overall/core body adiposity, and metabolic disorders, such as increased triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Together, these changes ultimately increase cardiovascular risk.
Around the same time, women are often less physically active, resulting in reduced lean body mass and increased risk of falls and fractures. Due to all of these changes, postmenopausal women often suffer from diminished self-image and self-esteem, which are directly linked to overall mental health.
Physical activity has been shown to minimize some of the many health problems associated with menopause. The effect of dancing, in particular, has already been studied in terms of how it improves body composition and functional fitness.
Few studies, however, have investigated the effects of dance on body image, self-esteem, and fitness in postmenopausal women.
This new study was designed to analyze the effects of dance practice on body composition, metabolic profile, functional fitness, and self-image/self-esteem in postmenopausal women.
Although the sample size was small, the study suggested some credible benefits of a thrice-weekly dance regimen for improving not only the lipid profile and functional fitness of postmenopausal women, but also the image and self-esteem.
Dance therapy is considered an attractive option because it is an enjoyable activity with low associated costs and low risk of injury to its practitioners.
Other proven benefits of regular dancing include improved balance, postural control, gait, strength, and overall physical performance. All of these benefits can contribute to a woman’s ability to maintain an independent, high-quality lifestyle throughout her life.
“This study highlights the feasibility of a simple intervention, such as a dance class three times a week, to improve not only physical fitness and metabolic profile, but also self-image and self-esteem in postmenopausal women,” said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of NAMS. .
“In addition to these benefits, the women likely also enjoyed a sense of camaraderie through the shared experience of learning something new,” Dr. Faubion concluded. (ANI)
