Thisquasi-experimental research aimed to examine the effects of social-dance exercise program on balance among the fall-risk elderly. Fifty subjects were purposively selected using predetermined criteria. The subjects were equally divided into an experimental group (n = 25) and a control group (n = 25) by similar characteristics (age, body weight, height, body mass index, education, exercise, disease, Berg Balance Score and perceived risk of falling). The research instruments consisted of 2 parts: 1) intervention tools (including social-dance exercise program, teaching/guiding plan, VCD), which were validated by 5 experts, and 2) evaluation tools including a demographic data form, the Berg Balance Test and the perceived risk of falling questionnaire. The Berg Balance Test was tested for its reliability using interrater method and revealed a reliability of 1.00. The perceived risk of falling questionnaire was validated by 5 experts and tested for its reliability using test-retest method. Its reliability was 0.90. The experimental group participated in 8-weeks social-dance exercise program comprising 1 hour sessions 3 times a week using beguin, cha cha cha and waltz rhythms, while the control group maintained their usual physical activities during the study period. Balance and perceived risk of falling were assessed three times throughout the study, at the first, sixth and eighth weeks. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation, chi-square, independent-samples t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance (RANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results revealed that after 6 and 8 weeks of social-dance exercise program the experimental group had a significantly increased mean score of balance and a significantly decreased perceived risk of falling score compared to the control group. Both groups showed a significant increase in the mean score of balance (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05) but no significant change in perceived risk of falling mean score between the sixth and the eighth week.

The results indicate that the social-dance exercise program enhanced balance and confidence in balancing of the elderly persons. The social-dance exercise should be implemented for health promotion, rehabilitation and improved health among the elderly. However, modification of the rhythm and figures in social dance should be considered to suit the elderly.