Thai dance exercises benefited functional mobility and fall rates among community-dwelling older individuals

BACKGROUND: With dramatic increase in the number of older individuals, special efforts have been made to promote the levels of independence and reduce fall rates among these individuals. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Thai dance exercises over 6 weeks on functional mobility and fall rates in community-dwelling older individuals. METHODS: Sixty-one community-dwelling older adults were interviewed and assessed for their demographics and fall data during 6 months prior to participation in the study. Then they completed the quasi-experimental Thai dance exercise program for 50 minutes/day, 3 days/week over 6 weeks. Their functional mobility relating to levels of independence and safety were assessed prior to training, at 3-week and 6-week training. After completing the program at 6 weeks, participants were prospectively monitored for fall data over 6 months. RESULTS: Participants improved their functional mobility significantly after 3- and 6-week training [Formula: see text]. The number of faller individuals obviously decreased from 35% [Formula: see text] prior to training to only 8% [Formula: see text] after training [Formula: see text]. CONCLUSION: The current findings further extend benefits of Thai dance as an alternative musical exercise program to promote levels of independence and safety among community-dwelling older adults.