Health and Gait Outcomes in Elderly Dancers Compared to Inactive Adults

Comparative Analysis of Aerobic Capacity, Muscle Strength, Flexibility, Postural Control, Mental Well-being, and Gait Parameters in Elderly Dancers and Inactive Adults

The aim of this observational study is to assess functional fitness and spatial-temporal gait parameters in individuals aged 65 years and over who regularly participate in senior dance classes. These outcomes will be compared with those of two inactive control groups: aged-matched older adults and inactive middle-aged individuals (aged 25-40 years) who have not engaged in any structured physical activity in the past six months. Furthermore, our study aimed to assess the correlation between the duration of participation in senior dance and the measured variables including physical fitness, gait characteristics, and mental well-being.

Healthy life expectancy is significantly influenced by the physical, cognitive, and mental condition of older people; by factors that generally decline with age. However, this decline can be delayed, slowed or even partially reversed through regular physical activity. Among various forms of exercise, dancing is one of the most enjoyable and socially engaging options. Numerous studies have explored its benefits, with several positive effects scientifically proven. Our study aimes to assess the functional fitness, mental well-being and spatial-temporal parameters of gait in older adults (aged 65 and over) who regularly participate in senior dance classes. These outcomes will be compared to those of two inactive control groups (i. e. inactive elderly adults aged 65 years or older and inactive middle-aged adults (aged 25-40 years). The dancer group is further divided into two subcategories. Dance-only group with participants who exclusively engage in senior dancing for at least once a week for a minimum of three month or multi-activity individuals who participate in senior dancing as well as other physical activities for seniors (e. g., Nordic walking, senior sports programs). The inactive control group includes subjects who have not engaged in any structured physical activity in the past 6 months. They are categorized based on their age into older group (aged 65 years or over) or middle-aged group (aged 25-40 years).

Each participant will undergo a one-time baseline assessment immediately after providing informed consent. The following parameters will be measured: body composition, grip-strength, functional lower limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, upper body flexibility, aerobic endurance, mental well-being, and spatial and temporal parameters.

The main Research Questions:

1. Are there significant differences in functional fitness, mental well-being or spatial-temporal gait parameters between senior dancers and inactive individuals?
2. Is there a correlation between the duration of participation in senior dance and improvements in functional fitness, mental well-being or spatial-temporal gait parameters?

Inclusion Criteria:

• aged 25-40 years (for middle-aged group); aged 65 years or over (for older people group);
• participating in senior dance class at least once a week for at least three months (for dancing group); not participated in any physical activity in the previous 6 months
• being able to walk at least 6 meters

Exclusion Criteria:

• having neurological diseases (hemiplegia, Parkinson's disease, neuropathy affecting the lower limbs)
• using a walking aid
• suffering from injury affecting the lower limbs occurred in the past six months