Neuromuscular Aging: A Case for the Neuroprotective Effects of Dancing

We planned a cross-sectional investigation (study 1) and a longitudinal training intervention (study 2) to investigate whether recreational dancing affords greater neuroprotective effects against age-related neuromuscular junction (NMJ) degeneration compared to general fitness exercise training.

In study 1, we recruited 19 older volunteers regularly practising dancing (older dancers [OD]) and 15 recreationally physically active older individuals (OA) and physical performance, muscle morphology, muscle function, and NMJ stability (from serum C-terminal agrin fragment [CAF] concentration) were assessed. In study 2, employing a longitudinal study design in a different cohort (composed of 37 older adults), we aimed to study whether a 6-month dancing intervention decreased CAF concentration compared to general fitness exercise training in older adults.

Our findings show that OD had a lower CAF concentration (suggesting an increased NMJ stability) compared to OA. This result was accompanied by superior functional performance despite no differences in muscle size. In study 2, we observed a reduction in CAF concentration only in the dancing group.

Overall, these findings suggest that dancing is an effective training modality to promote neuroprotection and increase muscle function in healthy older individuals.