DanceOn50+: Effects of a Dance Program on Physical and Psycho-emotional Health

Summary

Aging is associated with a decline in physical and cognitive function affecting autonomy and the ability to perform daily living activities. Interventions aiming the promotion of healthy aging and life-long learning are required to improve physical and cognitive health in a social context.

Dance is a cultural and physical activity that can be well adapted for older adults. Dance might counteract physical and cognitive functional decline and promotes social and emotional interactions. Importantly, dance can be individually adjusted in terms of physical fitness and cultural background. However, to date, there is a lack of research on the effects of a dance intervention with older adults setting to promote healthy aging and lifelong learning. Thus, this research project aims to explore the impact of a dance-based intervention with older adults from the community on physical, cognitive and psycho-emotional health while simultaneously generating inclusive artistic experiences and lifelong learning opportunities.

The study includes a quantitative quasi-experimental design. The study sample consists of healthy individuals from the community aged ≥ 50 years recruited through community programs and social media platforms. Those who agree to participate will be informed of the project objectives and procedures. Participation in the study is voluntary, and all participants will be required to sign a voluntary informed consent form.

Participants will be assigned to a dance training group, Multicomponent Exercise Group or the control group (no intervention). Outcomes will be measured using the Astrand Cycle Ergometer Submaximal Test, Open Circuit Pirometer Technique, Battery Senior Fitness Test, Isokinetic Dynamometer and Handgrip Dynamometer to assess physical fitness, Accelerometer, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep; psychoemotional questionnaires validated on Portuguese subjects to assess psychoemotional variables; tape measure and bioeletric impedance balance to assess body composition; digital sphygmomanometer and spirometry to assess cardiovascular and respiratory function; neurocognitive and psychological tests to assess cognitive function; and electroencephalography to assess electrophysiology.

Conditions

• Physical Activity
• Physical Fitness
• Well Being

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Ballroom Dance

The intervention will involve twice-weekly dance sessions, lasting 45 minutes each, for 6 months. Each session will include: 1. Rhythmic warm-up with music. 2. Combination of aerobic, resistance, and coordination exercises. 3. Technical development and learning of dance routines. 4. Cool down with free-body movements to slow music.

BEHAVIORAL

Multicomponent Exercise

The Multicomponent Exercise intervention will target several physical fitness components simultaneously, including strength, balance, and aerobic fitness. The program will consist of twice-weekly sessions, each lasting 45 minutes, for 6 months. Each session will include: 1. Warm-up with light stretching and joint mobility exercises. 2. Balance exercises 3. Strength training exercises 4. Aerobic exercises 5. Cool down with flexibility and relaxation exercises.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universidade do Porto

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• José Magalhães, PhD · Faculty of Sport, University of Porto

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-07-15

Primary Completion

2025-08-01

Completion

2026-01-31

Countries

• Portugal

Study Locations