Effects of Jive Dance Training on Lower Limb Muscle Strength

The Health-promoting Effects of Ballroom Dancing Courses on Lower Limb Strength, Dynamic Balance, Body Composition, and Working Memory of Hospital Employees

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a structured, partner-free Jive dance training program on the physical and cognitive health of hospital employees. Healthcare workers often face high-stress environments, irregular shifts, and prolonged physical strain, which can lead to reduced muscle strength, poor body composition, and burnout. This study innovates by designing a solo Jive dance intervention to overcome traditional partnership limitations in workplace wellness programs.

A single-group repeated measures design was used, recruiting 20 hospital employees for an 8-week study. The study was divided into Phase A (4 weeks of self-directed group practice) and Phase B (4 weeks of systematic Jive dance training). Comprehensive assessments were conducted at baseline, week 4, and week 8 to measure body composition, lower limb muscle strength, dynamic balance, working memory, and perceived stress.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Currently employed as a full-time or part-time staff member at the hospital.
• Aged between 18 and 65 years.
• Voluntarily willing to participate in the 8-week dance program and complete all sequential phases (Phase A and Phase B).
• Mentally and physically capable of performing moderate-to-high intensity structured exercise (such as solo Jive dancing).
• Able to understand the study protocols and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pre-existing severe musculoskeletal injuries, severe joint degeneration, or acute pain that restricts dancing or weight-shifting movements.
• Uncontrolled cardiovascular diseases (e.g., severe hypertension, arrhythmia, or unstable angina) that render high-intensity aerobic exercise unsafe.
• Current pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during the 8-week intervention period.
• Undergoing regular professional or competitive athletic training that could introduce significant confounding effects to the physical outcomes.
• Any other medical condition, severe cognitive impairment, or physical limitation judged by the investigator to pose a safety risk during exercise or interfere with data collection.