Document Type

Thesis - NSU Access Only

Title

Effects of Specific Ballet Dance Exercises on the Balance Abilities of Healthy Older Adults

Authors

Karen Consolo, Nova Southeastern University

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1998

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

NSUWorks Citation

Karen Consolo. 1998. Effects of Specific Ballet Dance Exercises on the Balance Abilities of Healthy Older Adults. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, College of Health Care Sciences - Physical Therapy Department. (104)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_stuetd/104.

Abstract

Purpose: This study was designed to determine if specific ballet exercises are effective in increasing the balance abilities of healthy older adults.

Subjects: This study involved a sample of convenience consisting of five volunteers, aged 54-56 all of whom live independently in the Miami-Dade community in Florida.

Methodology: The subjects were first given a pre-test which consisted of the Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction and Balance (CTSIB) developed by Shumway-Cook and Horak. Then, they were given a month long exercise intervention consisting of 4 ballet exercises. The CTSIB was, again, utilized as the post-test. A t-test was performed comparing the pre- and post-test average scores and comparing the pre- and post-test scores of each individual condition.

Results: In this study specific ballet dance techniques were shown to improve older individual's performance on the CTSIB. Small difference, if any, were found in conditions utilizing a firm standing surface. Statistically significant differences were found when comparing pre- and post-tests of conditions utilizing a foam standing surface and altered visual input.

Conclusions: By incorporating ballet techniques into therapeutic programs, physical therapists may help patients to increase their balance abilities.

Disciplines

Physical Therapy