Effects of Ballroom Dance on Physical Fitness and Reaction Time in Experienced Middle-Aged Adults of Both Genders

Valerio Bonavolontà, Francesca Greco, Umberto Sabatini, Francisco J. Saavedra, Francesco Fischetti, Carlo Baldari, Laura Guidetti, Maria Grazia Vaccaro and Gian Pietro Emerenziani
Additional contact information
Valerio Bonavolontà: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
Francesca Greco: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Umberto Sabatini: Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Neuroradiology, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Francisco J. Saavedra: Research Centre for Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development Sport Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
Francesco Fischetti: Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
Carlo Baldari: Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy
Laura Guidetti: “Niccolò Cusano” University, 00166 Rome, Italy
Maria Grazia Vaccaro: Neuroscience Centre, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Gian Pietro Emerenziani: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-9

Abstract: Ballroom dance practice might play a pivotal role for successful aging, but its effects could differ depending on dancers’ experience level. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of six months of ballroom dance (three times/w) on physical fitness and reaction time (RT) in 24 middle-aged adults who are experienced dancers (age: 59.4 ± 11.6 years). Body composition, handgrip test (HG), standing long-jump test (SLJ), step test (ST), one-legged stance balance test (OLSB), and RT were assessed before (T 0 ) and after six months (T 6 ) of dance practice. RT was re-evaluated four months later (T 10 ). RT was significantly (p < 0.05) lower at T 6 (221.2 ± 20.3 ms) and T 10 (212.0 ± 21.9 ms) than T 0 (239.1 ± 40,7 ms); no significant differences were found between T 6 and T 10 . No significant differences were observed for all the other parameters between T 0 and T 6 : weight and muscle mass were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in females than in males, and percentage of fat mass was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in females than in males. HG was significantly higher in males than females (p < 0.01). Results suggest that in experienced middle-aged adults of both genders, ballroom dance may positively influence RT, and this result could be maintained for four months.

Keywords: cognitive functions; aging; partnered dances; fall prevention; physical activity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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