The Effects of the Red River Jig on the Wholistic Health of Adults in Saskatchewan

Nisha K. Mainra, Samantha J. Moore, Jamie LaFleur, Alison R. Oates, Gavin Selinger, Tayha Theresia Rolfes, Hanna Sullivan, Muqtasida Fatima and Heather J. A. Foulds ()
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Nisha K. Mainra: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada
Samantha J. Moore: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada
Jamie LaFleur: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada
Alison R. Oates: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada
Gavin Selinger: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada
Tayha Theresia Rolfes: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada
Hanna Sullivan: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada
Muqtasida Fatima: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada
Heather J. A. Foulds: College of Kinesiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B2, Canada

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-17

Abstract: The Red River Jig is a traditional Métis dance practiced among Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. While exercise improves physical health and fitness, the impacts of cultural dances on wholistic health are less clear. This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial (cultural and mental), social, physical function, and physical fitness benefits of a Red River Jig intervention. In partnership with Li Toneur Nimiyitoohk Métis Dance Group, Indigenous and non-Indigenous adults ( N = 40, 39 ± 15 years, 32 females) completed an 8-week Red River Jig intervention. Social support, cultural identity, memory, and mental wellbeing questionnaires, seated blood pressure and heart rate, weight, pulse-wave velocity, heart rate variability, baroreceptor sensitivity, jump height, sit-and-reach flexibility, one-leg and tandem balance, and six-minute walk test were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Community, family, and friend support scores, six-minute walk distance (553.0 ± 88.7 m vs. 602.2 ± 138.6 m, p = 0.002), jump, leg power, and systolic blood pressure low-to-high-frequency ratio increased after the intervention. Ethnic identity remained the same while affirmation and belonging declined, leading to declines in overall cultural identity, as learning about Métis culture through the Red River Jig may highlight gaps in cultural knowledge. Seated systolic blood pressure (116.5 ± 7.3 mmHg vs. 112.5 ± 10.7 mmHg, p = 0.01) and lower peripheral pulse-wave velocity (10.0 ± 2.0 m·s −1 vs. 9.4 ± 1.9 m·s −1 , p = 0.04) decreased after the intervention. Red River Jig dance training can improve social support, physical function, and physical fitness for Indigenous and non-Indigenous adults.

Keywords: Indigenous Peoples; wholistic medicine; dancing; cultural anthropology; exercise; physical fitness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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