Effects of Jive Dance Training on Lower Limb Muscle Strength

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a structured, partner-free Jive dance training program on the physical and cognitive health of hospital employees. Healthcare workers often face high-stress environments, irregular shifts, and prolonged physical strain, which can lead to reduced muscle strength, poor body composition, and burnout. This study innovates by designing a solo Jive dance intervention to overcome traditional partnership limitations in workplace wellness programs.

A single-group repeated measures design was used, recruiting 20 hospital employees for an 8-week study. The study was divided into Phase A (4 weeks of self-directed group practice) and Phase B (4 weeks of systematic Jive dance training). Comprehensive assessments were conducted at baseline, week 4, and week 8 to measure body composition, lower limb muscle strength, dynamic balance, working memory, and perceived stress.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Key information

Conditions

Workplace Health Promotion Muscle Strength Postural Balance

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

E-Da Cancer Hospital

Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 824

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Currently employed as a full-time or part-time staff member at the hospital.
Aged between 18 and 65 years.
Voluntarily willing to participate in the 8-week dance program and complete all sequential phases (Phase A and Phase B).
Mentally and physically capable of performing moderate-to-high intensity structured exercise (such as solo Jive dancing).
Able to understand the study protocols and provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

Pre-existing severe musculoskeletal injuries, severe joint degeneration, or acute pain that restricts dancing or weight-shifting movements.
Uncontrolled cardiovascular diseases (e.g., severe hypertension, arrhythmia, or unstable angina) that render high-intensity aerobic exercise unsafe.
Current pregnancy or plans to become pregnant during the 8-week intervention period.
Undergoing regular professional or competitive athletic training that could introduce significant confounding effects to the physical outcomes.
Any other medical condition, severe cognitive impairment, or physical limitation judged by the investigator to pose a safety risk during exercise or interfere with data collection.

Treatment and study plan

Systematic Solo Jive Dance Training

Behavioral

This intervention features an innovative, partner-free "Solo Jive" ballroom dance curriculum designed to overcome the barrier of partner limitations in traditional workplace wellness programs. Distinct from general dance activities, this program is structured into two sequential 4-week phases: a self-directed group practice phase followed by a highly systematic, supervised professional training phase.

The core curriculum emphasizes continuous rhythmic tracking, agility, and fast-paced weight-shifting movements characteristic of Jive, focusing heavily on bilateral lower-limb coordination. It is tailored to address healthcare workers' occupational strains, integrating physical neuromuscular training with cognitive-motor engagement (working memory) to provide a dual-benefit intervention for adult workplace populations.

Primary outcomes

Change in Bilateral Lower Limb Plantar Flexion Muscle Strength

Time frame: Baseline (T0), Week 4 (T4), and Week 8 (T8)

Lower limb muscle strength (specifically plantar flexion) is measured to evaluate the neuromuscular effects of the systematic Jive dance training. Measurements are taken using a digital handheld dynamometer. The recorded values are expressed in pounds (lbs) to capture quantitative changes. An increase in the measured force values from baseline indicates an improvement in lower limb muscle strength.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

E-DA Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Health-promoting Effects of Ballroom Dancing Courses on Lower Limb Strength, Dynamic Balance, Body Composition, and Working Memory of Hospital Employees

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2025
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Jun 11, 2026
Registry last updated: Jun 11, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Active, Not Recruiting