Poi dance helps elderly
Maori poi dancing helps elderly people improve their balance and memory, according to a new clinical trial in Auckland.
The study found that after just one month of poi lessons, participants showed significant improvements.
Poi, a traditional Maori dance, involved weights on the ends of cords being spun in circular patterns.
The randomised controlled trial involved 79 healthy adults aged 60 or older, and was conducted by the Centre for Brain Research and the Dance Studies Programme at the University of Auckland.
Participants were assigned to either a Poi group or a Tai Chi group, and took part in two lessons a week over the course of a month.
Both groups showed much better balance, grip strength, memory and attention following the programme.
Poi participants also reported better co-ordination and flexibility, and said they had fun.
The study was led by doctoral student Kate Riegle van West, who had a background as a circus performer, musician, and digital artist.
‘‘This research shows that poi may be a promising tool for maintaining or improving quality of life in old age, and will hopefully pave the way for future research on poi and health,’’ she said.