Frontiers in Aging · Oct 30, 2026
Exploratory Study on Synergistic Balance Among Female Older Adults Practicing Haian Flower Drum Through Health and Psychological Interventions Perspective
By Huabin Hang, Jiangping Fu, Yi Yu et al.
Objectives: This study examined changes in synergistic balance among female older adults participating in Haian Flower Drum, an intangible‑cultural‑heritage‑based physical activity, and explored the associated health‑related and psychological factors. Methods: 54 female older adults (post efficacy calculation, expected size 0.6, power 0.8) were recruited for this study for an exploratory observation. Repeated measures were taken after recruitment (a 12-week interval) to observe lower limb function for synergistic balance outcomes (30-Second Chair Stand, 30SCS) and to assess the correlation, sensitivity, and specificity of physical literacy (Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument) and upper limb strength (Hand Grip; dominant, non-dominant, and both hands) to synergistic balance. Results: Between the initial and outcome measures of the 30SCS (P<0.001, effect size=0.67) and both hands (P<0.001, effect size=-0.68) indicated the significant difference; however, physical literacy, dominant hand, and non-dominant hand were not significantly different. Spearman's correlation coefficient test indicated that the hypothesis of correlation with lower limb function for synergistic balancing was valid and negative for both 2 metrics: non-dominant hand (ρ=-0.270; P=0.048, <0.05, accepted), both hands (ρ=- 0.329; P=0.015, <0.05, accepted). Youden Index for the non-dominant hand (0.2, <0.3) indicated a low sensitivity value, but both hands (0.3, >0.3) were acceptable. AUC index for the non-dominant hand (0.6, >0.5) and both hands (0.7, >0.5) indicated an acceptable specificity. Conclusion: Following the intervention incorporating Haian Flower Drum, female older adults exhibited statistically significant/non-significant differences characteristics in synergistic balance; however, these characteristics cannot be attributed solely to Haian Flower Drum.