[The effects of a Korean traditional dance movement program in elderly women]

Abstract

Purpose: This study was aimed to identify the effects of a 12 week Korean traditional dance movement program on balance, depression, medical cost, medical institution's utilization and fall among elderly women.

Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design, the experimental group was composed of 130 subjects and the control group was composed of 123 subjects. The experimental group participated in a 12 week Korean traditional dance movement program 3 times a week from December 2002 to February 2003. Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, the chi-square test, paired t-test and t-test.

Results: There was significant improvement in balance (right leg p=.000, left leg p=.004), depression (p=.000), and the medical institution's utilization (p=.001) and fall (p=.002) in the experimental group compared to the control group.

Conclusion: A Korean traditional dance movement program improved balance, depression, and decreased fall and medical cost in elderly women. Therefore, we recommend this program be utilized as a health promoting program and falls preventing program for the elderly in the community.