Changes in body heat, blood pressure, and menopausal symptoms through ballet program in middle-aged women: Quantitative: Application of qualitative research methods

This study applied quantitative and qualitative research methods to investigate the changes in body heat, blood pressure, and menopausal symptoms through a ballet program in middle-aged women, and the physical health improvement effect that changes as the physical characteristics of middle-aged women continue to engage in appropriate exercise. The purpose is to provide basic data to support the development and revitalization of ballet programs for middle-aged and older women. Key subjects of the study were 20 middle-aged women between the ages of 40 and 65 who lived in Cheonan, Chungcheongnam-do, the researcher's hometown, and who had recently experienced menopause or had irregular monthly periods. They were selected through non-probability sampling (nonprobabilistic sampling). The sample group was extracted through sampling, and 7 people who showed personal reasons and insincere attitudes were excluded, and a total of 13 people were ultimately used for analysis.Quantitative research results: First, the body and blood pressure of middle-aged women include systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and weight. Both BMIs were found to be significantly lower in the post-test. On the other hand, the post-test for pulse, height, and body fat showed no significant changes compared to the pre-test (p>.05). Second, as a result of analyzing the differences in temperature changes in specific areas (back of the neck, face, palms, soles) of middle-aged women before and after the ballet program, the back of the neck was found to be statistically significantly lower in the post-test (p.05).Third, there was no significant difference in any of the menopausal symptom scales of middle-aged women: physical, psychological, and mental/ physical symptoms (p>.05). As a result of a second qualitative study to complement this, positive results were obtained that it helped relieve hot flashes and improve blood circulation among menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women, and pain relief and movement execution time increased when climbing and descending stairs and walking. It has been confirmed to be effective in maintaining and improving lower extremity muscle strength. Additionally, it was confirmed that insomnia was alleviated or improved and sleep quality improved. In addition, it was confirmed that it had a positive effect on self-esteem and psychological well-being in the section where people of similar age groups gathered to practice ballet, which they thought was difficult to access, and practiced before class. Accordingly, in follow-up studies, there will be a need to expand the region and number of cases, establish a long-term period of participation in the program, examine the results, and verify the effect through detailed research by organizing research participants into a comparison and control group. We also suggest expanded research on the personal history and various psychological mechanisms of middle-aged women.