Social dancing to prevent falls in older adults: a control case study

Abstract

Introduction: Brazil is in a period of transition in which an accelerated process of aging is presented, which poses multiple challenges to the country. Therefore, it is essential to develop public policies to address health for older adults. This study aims to assess the practice of social dancing in the prevention of falls in older adults. Materials and Methods: A control case study was conducted in 90 older adults from which 60 older adults were selected to participate in the control group through a simple random sample (N=1234) in a Primary Health Care Unit in association with the Family Health Strategy. The case group is made up of 30 older adults who practiced social dancing. Berg Balance Scale was used to assess balance, determining a greater risk for falls in individuals with a score lower than 45. Results: It was found that in the dance practitioners (case) group, just one of them had a score lower than 45 while ten users had a value lower than 4 5in the control group. Calculated relative risk was 0.2 demonstrating that social dancing seems to be a factor to prevent falls. Discussion and Conclusions: According to the sample, social dancing was shown to be a protective factor to prevent falls in older adults, as well as to improve their balance.