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Effects of Dance/Movement Training vs. Aerobic Exercise Training on cognition, physical fitness and quality of life in older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institut Universitaire sur La Réadaptation en Déficience Physique de Montréal, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Rehabilitation of Greater Montreal, Montreal, Canada. Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada; Research Centre, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. School of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Research Centre, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. Research Centre, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université Du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada. Research Centre, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Sports Studies, Bishop's University, Sherbrooke, Canada. Department of Psychology, Université Du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Research Centre, Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. Research Centre, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Exercise Science, Université Du Québec à Montréal, Montreal, Canada. Research Centre, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Centre Hospitalier de L'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. Research Centre, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. Research Centre, Montreal Heart Institute, Montreal, Canada; Research Centre, Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; PERFORM Centre and Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. Electronic address: louis.bherer@umontreal.ca.

Journal of bodywork and movement therapies. 2020;(1):212-220
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Abstract

INTRODUCTION It is generally accepted that physical activity promotes healthy aging. Recent studies suggest dance could also benefit cognition and physical health in seniors, but many styles and approaches of dance exist and rigorous designs for intervention studies are still scarce. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Dance/Movement Training (DMT) to Aerobic Exercise Training (AET) on cognition, physical fitness and health-related quality of life in healthy inactive elderly. METHODS A single-center, randomized, parallel assignment, open label trial was conducted with 62 older adults (mean age = 67.48 ± 5.37 years) recruited from the community. Participants were randomly assigned to a 12-week (3x/week, 1hr/session) DMT program, AET program or control group. Cognitive functioning, physical fitness and health-related quality of life were assessed at baseline (T-0), and post-training (T-12 weeks). RESULTS 41 participants completed the study. Executive and non-executive composite scores showed a significant increase post-training (F(1,37) = 4.35, p = .04; F(1,37) = 7.01, p = .01). Cardiovascular fitness improvements were specific to the AET group (F(2,38) = 16.40, p < .001) while mobility improvements were not group-dependent (10 m walk: F(1,38) = 11.67, p = .002; Timed up and go: F(1,38) = 22.07, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that DMT may have a positive impact on cognition and physical functioning in older adults however further research is needed. This study could serve as a model for designing future RCTs with dance-related interventions. REGISTRATION clinicaltrials. gov Identifier NCT02455258.

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Publication Type : Randomized Controlled Trial

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