Cross-sectional associations of practicing YOSAKOI Soran and physical functions of middle-aged and older women

Shunsuke Moriya; Masaki Yoshioka; Masahiro Matsui; Kai Aoki; Yasuko Yoshida; Kazuhiro Takekoshi; Keisei Kosaki; Seiji Maeda

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Cross-sectional associations of practicing YOSAKOI Soran and physical functions of middle-aged and older women

VernacularTitle:中高齢女性におけるYOSAKOIソーランの実践と身体機能の横断的関連性
Author: Shunsuke MORIYA ¹ ; Masaki YOSHIOKA ² ; Masahiro MATSUI ³ ; Kai AOKI ³ ; Yasuko YOSHIDA ⁴ ; Kazuhiro TAKEKOSHI ³ ; Keisei KOSAKI ⁵ ; Seiji MAEDA ⁵
Author Information

1. Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Master’s Program in Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba
2. Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Degree Programs in Comprehensive Human Sciences, Doctoral Program in Sports Medicine, University of Tsukuba
3. Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
4. Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba
5. Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba
Keywords: aging; physical examination; muscle strength; pliability; dance therapy
From:Japanese Journal of Physical Fitness and Sports Medicine 2023;72(5):353-361
CountryJapan
Language:Japanese
Abstract: Insufficient physical function is strongly associated with decreased activity of daily living and health-related quality of life in middle-aged and older women. YOSAKOI Soran is one of the traditional Japanese dances to have naruko (wooden hand clappers) in their hands as they dance and incorporate the phrase from the Soran Bushi in their song. YOSAKOI Soran festivals can be seen being held in various places across the country, proving its growing popularity with residents as a celebration regardless of age or occupation. The purpose of this study was to examine the cross-sectional associations between YOSAKOI Soran and the physical functions of middle-aged and older women. A total of 30 middle-aged and older women practicing YOSAKOI Soran (YOSAKOI group) and 163 middle-aged and older women who had not practiced YOSAKOI Soran (control group) participated in this cross-sectional study. Handgrip strength, 30-second chair stand performance, and flexibility were used to measure physical functions. Handgrip strength was not significantly differed between the YOSAKOI group and the control group (P = 0.79). 30-second chair stand performance and flexibility were significantly higher in the YOSAKOI group than in the control group (both P < 0.05). These results remained significant after adjusting for age and body mass index (both P < 0.05). The present results suggest that practicing YOSAKOI Soran may increase lower extremity function and flexibility in middle-aged and older women.