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. 2021 Feb 19;18(4):2036.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph18042036.

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

Valerio Bonavolontà  1 , Francesca Greco  2 , Umberto Sabatini  3 , Francisco J Saavedra  4 , Francesco Fischetti  1 , Carlo Baldari  5 , Laura Guidetti  6 , Maria Grazia Vaccaro  7 , Gian Pietro Emerenziani  2
Affiliations

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

Valerio Bonavolontà et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

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 (T0) and after six months (T6) of dance practice. RT was re-evaluated four months later (T10). RT was significantly (p < 0.05) lower at T6 (221.2 ± 20.3 ms) and T10 (212.0 ± 21.9 ms) than T0 (239.1 ± 40,7 ms); no significant differences were found between T6 and T10. No significant differences were observed for all the other parameters between T0 and T6: 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: aging; cognitive functions; fall prevention; partnered dances; physical activity.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Subjects’ reaction time (ms) pre (T0) and post (T6) dance intervention and after summer season (T10). * p < 0.05 vs T0.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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