African Dance for Health and Identity: A Sustainable Physical Activity Intervention for Older Women in Under-Resourced South African Communities
1
Human Movement Science, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to rise in low- and middle-income countries, with older women in under-resourced communities experiencing a disproportionate burden.
AIM:
This study evaluated the impact of a culturally relevant African dance intervention on anthropometric, cardiovascular, and metabolic health indicators in older South African women.
METHODS:
Quasi-experimental design; 30 participants; anthropometric, blood pressure, and metabolic markers measured. Using a quasi-experimental design, 30 participants engaged in a 24-session African dance programme over eight weeks. Measurements of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP), glucose, and lipid profiles were taken pre- and post-intervention.
RESULTS:
Results revealed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic BP, WHR, fasting glucose, and LDL cholesterol, with an increase in HDL cholesterol. The intervention was well-received, cost-effective, and easily implemented in a community setting.
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings suggest that African dance can serve as a sustainable, culturally rooted strategy for promoting health and reinforcing identity among ageing populations in similar socio-economic contexts.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continue to rise in low- and middle-income countries, with older women in under-resourced communities experiencing a disproportionate burden.
AIM:
This study evaluated the impact of a culturally relevant African dance intervention on anthropometric, cardiovascular, and metabolic health indicators in older South African women.
METHODS:
Quasi-experimental design; 30 participants; anthropometric, blood pressure, and metabolic markers measured. Using a quasi-experimental design, 30 participants engaged in a 24-session African dance programme over eight weeks. Measurements of waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure (BP), glucose, and lipid profiles were taken pre- and post-intervention.
RESULTS:
Results revealed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic BP, WHR, fasting glucose, and LDL cholesterol, with an increase in HDL cholesterol. The intervention was well-received, cost-effective, and easily implemented in a community setting.
CONCLUSIONS:
Findings suggest that African dance can serve as a sustainable, culturally rooted strategy for promoting health and reinforcing identity among ageing populations in similar socio-economic contexts.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
We process personal data collected when visiting the website. The function of obtaining information about users and their behavior is carried out by voluntarily entered information in forms and saving cookies in end devices. Data, including cookies, are used to provide services, improve the user experience and to analyze the traffic in accordance with the Privacy policy. Data are also collected and processed by Google Analytics tool (more).
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
You can change cookies settings in your browser. Restricted use of cookies in the browser configuration may affect some functionalities of the website.
