Chair Dancing.

The purpose of this videotape is to provide an upbeat, aerobic exercise program that can be performed sitting in a chair, with minimal equipment and space. The music is catchy, the instructor provides positive reinforcement about exercising, and the chair-dancing theme is carried out by sequences such as the chair-cha-cha and chair-can-can.

Following introductory comments, the 45-minute videotape is divided into four parts: a 10-minute warm-up, 6 minutes of toning exercises, 16 minutes of aerobic conditioning, and a 6-minute cool-down. The instructor and class demonstrate three levels of difficulty, and participants are reminded to work at their own ability level. Target pulse rates are explained, and individual pulse rates are monitored during exercise.

The program is performed in a straight-backed chair, and the instructor frequently reminds the participants to tighten their abdominal muscles and maintain erect posture. Most of the lower-extremity motions are varied combinations of heel-toe tapping, marching, and hip abduction. The upper-quarter motions include full ranges of motion of the shoulder, neck, and elbow, mimicking activities such as swimming, fanning, playing the trombone, and dancing with a top hat. Paper plates are held in the hands during exercise.

The intended audience is anyone who finds it necessary to exercise in a seated position or who finds it convenient to have a program that requires no special equipment, clothing, or space. Office workers, families, and individuals with physical limitations are given as examples. Although the videotape will certainly meet the needs of certain individuals, I question the value of encouraging seated exercise to workers who often spend a majority of their workday sitting, and wonder if individuals with physical disabilities might find the videotape inappropriate due to their loss of balance, trunk stability, or use of the upper or lower extremities.

The production quality is good, the instruction and demonstration clear, and the theme of chair-dancing is carried out throughout the videotape with music and choreography. To me, the instructor is overly perky, and I would find it tiresome to listen to the video and repeat this program on a routine basis. Although the videotape might have a limited audience, I would not recommend it to my patients.

Maggie Fillmore, PT Katser Permanente Medical Center Oakland, Calif

Ms Fillmore works with patients with orthopedic disorders, specializing in manual therapy and exercise training.