Investigation of balance, coordination, posture, and musculoskeletal pain in individuals who practice latin dance

The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of Latin dance on musculoskeletal pain, posture, flexibility, balance, and coordination. The study included 20 socially active individuals (10 females and 10 males) with an average age of 27.55 ± 3.48 years practicing Latin dance, as well as 20 sedentary individuals (4 females and 17 males) with an average age of 25.45 ± 2.91 years. Participant's balance was assessed using the SportKAT 550-TS Kinesthetic Balance Device, coordination through the hexagonal obstacle test, posture using the New York Posture Scale, musculoskeletal pain using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, and flexibility using the Sit-and-Reach Test. Based on our evaluations, statistically significant results were observed in static balance scores of individuals in the dance group (p<0.05). However, no significant differences were found between the two groups in dynamic balance, flexibility, musculoskeletal pain, coordination, and posture scores (p>0.05). As a result of our study, we determined that socially engaged Latin dance contributes to the improvement of static balance. Coordination, flexibility, posture, and musculoskeletal pain were not associated with individuals who engaged in dancing. In conclusion, we can say that Latin dance has a positive impact on balance. If there are no contraindications for conditions affecting balance, Latin dance can be recommended to support rehabilitation programs.