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.
| Date of Award | Jan 1 1998 |
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| Original language | English |
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