Dancing in the dark could have benefits for health and wellbeing
The researchers from the University's found the overwhelming majority of participants in were women in their mid to late 30s, who didn鈥檛 meet physical activity guidelines.
鈥淭丑别 tell us that more than one in two Australians do not get enough physical activity for health, and women are less active than men,鈥� said lead author, PhD candidate Bridget Foley.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to look at innovative ways to get more people more active, and understand what it is about unconventional sport and recreational activities which get people, especially women, to change their inactive lifestyles.
鈥淣o Lights, No Lycra shows how dance can be modified in a real world setting to engage women who aren鈥檛 regular gym-goers and don鈥檛 participate in sport regularly.鈥�
The peer-reviewed study, published today in聽,聽surveyed 1190 participants across 52 No Lights, No Lycra locations over a one week period in 2018.聽聽
Researchers found the top reasons for attending were to 鈥渉ave fun,鈥� 鈥渋mprove physical health and fitness鈥� and 鈥渋mprove mental health and wellbeing.鈥�
When asked about the benefits of attending, 95 percent of participants agreed it improved their physical health and 97 percent agreed it improved their mental health.
Ms Foley said this is significant considering half of those surveyed reported being diagnosed with depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions.
鈥淲omen鈥檚 education, work, home life and caring responsibilities have a huge impact on their participation in physical activity in middle age,鈥� said Ms Foley.
鈥淭丑别 latest research in this area tells us that programs which are safe, flexible and enjoyable 鈥� like No Lights, No Lycra 鈥� are the most likely to attract these women and encourage physical activity.鈥�
鈥淒ance is particularly interesting as while we know participation is high in young girls, they often stop participating in dance and other physical activity as they get older due to cost, time commitment, focus on technique, mirrors, tight-fitting clothes and lack of enjoyment.鈥�
Summary of findings
- 88 percent of participants did not achieve recommended 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity five days a week
- No Lights, No Lycra made up 23 percent of the participants鈥� overall physical activity
- 50 percent of the participants reported a medically diagnosed mental health condition
- 20 percent reported a chronic physical health condition
- 95 percent reported participation improved their physical health
- 97 percent reported participation improved their mental health
Senior author聽聽of the聽聽in the School of Public Health and Charles Perkins Centre said more needs to done to encourage sport and physical activity opportunities that motivate and engage inactive Australians.
鈥淔ocusing on supporting people to be active in everyday life, in ways they enjoy is critical if we are to help build a healthy and active community. If you enjoy something, you are more likely to keep doing it,鈥� said Dr Reece.
The research team is also exploring the effectiveness of community initiatives such as聽聽which offers free weekly 5km events where people can participate at their own level, with a focus on health and enjoyment.
Declaration:聽The research was wholly funded by the University of Sydney. Authors independently designed the research methods, partnering with No Lights, No Lycra for participant recruitment and data collection.
Photo credit: Tom Ross, image provided by No Lights No Lycra