Body adaptation to Dance: A Gerontological Perspective.

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Exercise Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Healthy aging initiatives increasingly explore non-pharmacological interventions.
• Dance is recognized for its potential physical and mental health benefits in various populations.
• Evidence synthesis is needed to confirm dance's efficacy for older adults' well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and summarize research on dance's effectiveness for healthy aging in older adults.
• To identify cognitive, physiological, and emotional benefits of dance interventions.
• To pinpoint future research directions in dance for geriatric health.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search across Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases.
• Utilized specific keywords related to dance types, cardiovascular health, and emotional well-being.
• Included eight studies published up to September 2018, with data extracted by two independent reviewers.

Main Results:

• Dance interventions demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive parameters compared to other exercises or inactivity.
• Positive effects were observed on certain physiological parameters, even with short intervention durations.
• Dance positively impacts motor control, contributing to better quality of life for older adults.

Conclusions:

• Dance is an effective adjunctive intervention supporting healthy aging in older adults.
• Improvements in cognitive, physiological, and motor control parameters underscore dance's value.
• Further research should explore dance's role in enhancing geriatric health and well-being.