Influence of Square Dancing on Motor Function of Middle-Aged and Elderly Women

Abstract

Introduction The quality of life of middle-aged and elderly women is affected by the physiological effects of aging on the locomotor system; moderate aerobic exercise is one of the practices that can delay these deleterious effects. Square dancing has functional characteristics of aerobic exercise, but there are still no studies on its effects on motor function in middle-aged and elderly women who practice it regularly. Objective Explore the long-duration square dance exercises’ effect on motor function in middle-aged and elderly women. Methods 45 middle-aged and elderly women, divided into experimental and control groups, participated. The experimental group (n=25) performed square dancing exercises of 90 minutes four times a week for six months. Indicators of physical function, vital capacities, and motor function indices were collected. Results After exercise, improved grip strength of the middle-aged women in the square dance group and the 1-minute sessions was observed; in particular, the mean value of the selection response reduced from 516.20±83.87 before exercise to 440.28±58.07, a very significant difference. Conclusion Long-term square dance exercise has a particular effect on improving the cardiopulmonary function of middle-aged and elderly women and significantly improved motor function. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.