The research, conducted by a team including Zhang Yaya, a Ph.D. student at Hunan University, China, analyzed data from 646 participants across ten different studies. The focus was on the impact of dance on health indicators such as body mass, waist circumference, blood pressure, and insulin sensitivity.
The findings revealed that dance, as a form of exercise, has significant benefits. It not only aids in fat loss but also improves body composition. Dance is particularly effective due to its full-body range of motions and its less fatiguing nature compared to other forms of exercise like aerobic exercises, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training.
One key advantage of dance is its sustainability. It is an enjoyable, social form of exercise that encourages continued participation, unlike other more strenuous and less engaging forms of exercise. This aspect of dance makes it an effective long-term strategy for managing weight and improving physical fitness.
The study's results extend beyond just weight loss. Improvements were noted in a range of areas, including mental health, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. These benefits are particularly important given the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in the West.
Dance, as a universal form of expression and exercise, transcends cultural and geographical boundaries, offering a globally applicable solution for improving health and well-being. This study, which has implications for global health and wellness, aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.