Correlations Between Physical Activity Level, Quality of Life, and Cognitive Performance in Elderly Individuals Engaging in Multi-Year Dance Activities

Abstract

Introduction: It is well-acknowledged that cognitive and physical decline associated with aging can be prevented or reduced with the engagement in regular physical activity (PA). Dance activities combine cardiovascular, cognitive, and coordinative demands, providing a popular leisure PA among elderly. This study examined the correlations between quality of life (QoL), cognitive and physical performance, and PA level in older adults who participated in at least 10 years of amateur ballroom dancing. Methods: The study was designed as an observational study. A sample of 20 (10 men; age range: 65 to 80 years; BMI: 26.3 ± 3.0 kg/m2) amateur senior dancers were compared with a sample of 18 (8 men; age range: 65 to 75 years; BMI: 25.5 ± 2.4 kg/m2) non-sedentary individuals (control group) following an adapted PA program. Quality of life and cognitive functioning assessment tools were administered: 36 Health Status Survey (SF-36v2), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq). Physical performance was measured with their preferred walking speed (PWS), and level of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was evaluated using a multi-sensor activity monitor.Results: Participants presented a good SF-36v2 physical component and a very good mental component summary, a total MoCA score within the limits, and an average total CRIq score. Their PWS and daily MVPA were high. Differences neither in the three questionnaires nor in PWS and PA level were observed between groups. A significant, moderate, and positive correlation was found between PWS and SF-36v2 physical component summary score.Conclusion: Ballroom dancing seems to allow elderly individuals to maintain good cognitive and physical abilities, QoL, an acceptable normal cognitive reserve, notable physical performance, and PA level to the same extent as an adapted PA program. Both types of PA seem to be able to contrast the mental and physical decline associated with aging.

Dancing toward Well-Being: Effects on Mood and Well-Being of a 12-Week Flamenco Dance Workshop in Women Aged 60–80 Years

“…These results align with previous research that has identified dance as an effective tool for improving both objective and subjective health indicators [28] and for promoting well-being and joy [31,32,45]. Dance has been shown to have a beneficial impact on health-related quality of life, including self-perception of mood and emotion [41,42,44], and it is an effective way to promote mental health in older individuals [43].…”

“…However, there is a need for more research to specifically explore the effect of flamenco on the subjective well-being of older women. Although there is a large body of research showing the benefits of dance in general for preserving well-being and quality of life in old age [41][42][43][44][45], the potential of the flamenco dance has not yet been fully explored.…”

The impact of non-drug treatments on the quality of life of patients with non-dementia vascular cognitive impairment

“…В качестве сочетанной физической и когнитивной нагрузок применяются танцевальные упражнения. По данным исследования Е. Tommasini, пожилые люди, которые занимаются танцами, имеют более высокое качество жизни и когнитивные функции [18]. В другом исследовании участвовало 136 женщин с УКН, которые были рандомизированы на экспериментальную и контрольную группы.…”

Association of Co-Living and Age on the Type of Sports Practiced by Older People

“…Regarding the benefits of each sport modality in the elderly, this matter has been extensively studied, although without linking it to the type of co-living they maintain. For instance, dancing may reduce cognitive deterioration [9] and allows cognitive and physical abilities to be maintained, improving the quality of life of older people [10]. On the other hand, a study with pre-frail older women who practiced aquatic exercise found improvements in tension-anxiety, depression and confusion, and anger-hostility [11].…”