Geriatrics
Functional and Psychosocial Changes Following a Culturally Adapted Folk Dance Program in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
By Concha-Cisternas Y, Muñoz-Sepúlveda F, Guzmán-Muñoz E and 7 others.
Abstract
Background
Population ageing requires community-based strategies supporting functional capacity, psychological well-being, and participation among older adults.
Objective
To analyze the changes following a community-based motor education program grounded in Chilean folk dances in physical function, psychological well-being, and subjective participation experiences among older adults.
Methods
A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design included a single-group pre-post quantitative phase and a qualitative phase. Physical function was assessed using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and single-leg stance tests. Psychological outcomes included the SF-12, life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and perceived social support. The 9-week intervention comprised two 90-min sessions weekly. Sixty-four older adults were recruited: 58 completed pre-post assessments and 17 joined a focus group. Quantitative changes were examined using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically.