Unacceptably high rates of overweight and obesity disparately affect young, low-income, populations in the US and increase the risk of diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of Dance for Health, an intergenerational program designed to increase activity in an under resourced community. Weekly 1.5-hour dance classes (x 38 weeks) were held in a location with high rates of obesity, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Each week data on weight, baseline and mid activity heart rates and pedometer steps were collected by nursing students. Data were analyzed by descriptive, regression and linear mixed effect modeling. The sample included 130 participants: 96 adults (mean age 59.3 yr; 94% female), 34 youth (mean age 13.4 yr ; 67% female); 89% of adults, 85% of children were Black. Changes in steps over time were examined using linear mixed effects modeling in adults in the overall sample. For each additional dance session, the number of pedometer steps increased by an average of 25 steps (p < 0.0001). The activity was rated highly enjoyable by the participants. Dance for Health was found to be highly enjoyable and effective in increasing activity over time. The program can serve as a model for combatting obesity and increasing physical activity in high risk communities. Interventions that engage multiple generations hold promise not only to increase the impact on individuals, but to influence the health outcomes for entire families.

Dr. Terri Lipman is a Professor Emerita at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and a Researcher at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Her research is focused on racial disparities in the treatment and outcomes of children with diabetes- with an emphasis on addressing social determinants of health.