Impact of dance classes on motor and cognitive functions and gut microbiota composition in multiple sclerosis patients: Randomized controlled trial.

Evidence suggests that multiple sclerosis (MS) induces a decline in motor and cognitive function and provokes a shift in gut microbiome composition in patients. Therefore, the aim of the study was to explore the effect of dance classes on the motor and cognitive functions and gut microbiota composition of MS patients. In this randomized controlled trial, 36 patients were randomly divided into two groups: the experimental group (n = 18) and the passive control group (n = 18).

Effects of Latin style professional dance on the spinal posture and pelvic tilt.

Background: Systematic repetition postures adopted during trainings could generate alterations in the sagittal spinal curvatures.

Objective: The purposes were: 1) to analyse the sagittal spinal curvatures and pelvic tilt in Latin American style dancers; 2) to compare the spinal sagittal mobility and hamstring muscle extensibility between Latin American style dancers and non-dancers; and 3) to evaluate the influence of wearing dance shoes upon the sagittal spine posture in standing.

Methods: A total of 20 Latin American style professional dancers and 20 non-dancers (control group) were evaluated during standing, relaxed sitting, maximal trunk flexion with knees flexed and extended, lying prone, and maximal trunk extension.