Jigging our Health
Date
2024-03-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The Red River Jig (RRJ) is a traditional Métis dance practiced among Indigenous and non- Indigenous Peoples. Though exercise benefits physical health and fitness, the benefits of cultural dances to improve wholistic aspects of health are less clear. This study aimed to investigate social, psychosocial (cultural and mental), physical function, and physical fitness benefits of participation in an RRJ intervention. Indigenous and Non-Indigenous adults (N=27,38±14 years, 20 females) completed an 8-week RRJ intervention. Social support index, multigroup ethnic identity measures of cultural connectedness, and mental well-being questionnaires, as well as seated blood pressure and heart rate, weight, grip strength, six-minute walk test, and one-leg and tandem balance measures were assessed before and after the intervention. Cultural connectedness and mental well-being scores were similar before and after the intervention. Community components of social support scores (7.7 ± 1.4 vs. 10.3 ± 1.4,
p<0.001), six-minute walk test distance (551.5 ± 96.6 m vs. 581.3 ± 100.8 m, p=0.002), and tandem eyes closed balance (86.0 ± 45.9 s vs. 102.8 ± 31.9 s, p=0.02) increased after the intervention. Seated systolic blood pressure (117.6 ± 6.1 mmHg vs. 112.9 ± 10.8 mmHg, p=0.02) and heart rate (62.2 ± 6.3 beats·min -1 vs. 59.8 ± 5.6 beats·min -1 , p=0.02), weight (80.6 ±23.1 kg vs. 79.4 ± 23.2 kg, p=0.04), and one leg eyes closed balance (26.0 ± 17.2 s vs. 22.6 ±16.3 s, p=0.04) decreased after the intervention. A RRJ intervention can improve social support, physical function, and physical fitness for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous adults. (Funding: Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation)
Description
Keywords
Cardiovascular Health, Indigenous Health and Wellness, Wholistic health, Red River Jig
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Kinesiology
Program
Kinesiology