Effects of Dance-Based Aerobic Training on Functional Capacity and Risk of Falls in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Abstract

Background: Older adults with mild cognitive impairment are at increased risk for physical decline and falls due to decreased strength, flexibility, balance, and gait. Dance-based aerobic training has emerged as a promising and enjoyable intervention to promote physical function and cognitive stimulation. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a 12-week structured dance-based aerobic program, based on line dancing and Latin rhythms (e.g., salsa, merengue, and bachata), in improving functional capacity and reducing the risk of falls in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 92 participants aged ≥65 years diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. The participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (dance-based training, twice weekly for 12 weeks) or a control group (usual activity). Outcomes included muscle strength (grip dynamometry), flexibility (back scratch and chair sit-and-reach tests), gait speed (Timed Up and Go test), balance (Tinetti scale), and total falls risk score (Tinetti). Mixed ANOVA and Cohen's d were used for statistical analysis. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group on all variables compared to the control group. Muscle strength (p < 0.001, d = 0.86), gait speed (p = 0.026, d = 0.48), and upper and lower extremity flexibility (d = 0.43-0.79) improved significantly. The balance and gait components of the Tinetti scale also increased (p = 0.007 and p = 0.048, respectively), as did the total Tinetti score (p = 0.002, d = 0.67), indicating a reduction in the risk of falls. Conclusions: These findings suggest that, under structured conditions, dance-based aerobic training may serve as a promising non-pharmacological strategy to support healthy aging in older adults with mild cognitive impairment, although further validation in larger cohorts is needed.

Keywords: aerobic training; balance; dance; flexibility; mild cognitive impairment; risk of falls.

Figure 1

Participant flowchart.

Figure 2

Between-group and within-group comparisons of muscle strength. * p < 0.05. *** p < 0.001.

Figure 3

Between-group and within-group comparisons of gait speed. * p < 0.05. *** p < 0.001.

Figure 4

Between-group and within-group comparisons of right arm flexibility. * p < 0.05. *** p < 0.001.

Figure 5

Between-group and within-group comparisons of left arm flexibility. * p < 0.05. *** p < 0.001.

Figure 6

Between-group and within-group comparisons of right leg flexibility. * p < 0.05. ** p < 0.01. *** p < 0.001.

Figure 7

Between-group and within-group comparisons of left leg flexibility.* p < 0.05.

Figure 8

Inter- and intra-group comparisons for balance. ** p < 0.01.

Figure 9

Inter- and intra-group comparisons for gait. * p < 0.05. ** p < 0.01.

Figure 10

Inter- and intra-group comparisons for total score on the Tinetti scale. * p < 0.05. ** p < 0.01. *** p < 0.001.