Effectiveness of Combined Strength Training and Dance Classes Versus Combined Strength and Endurance Training in...

This study compared the effects of strength training combined with endurance training versus strength training combined with dance classes on physical and cognitive functioning, quality of life, and depressive symptoms in older individuals.

Forty-four older people (69.1 ± 4.6 years) were randomly allocated to strength training combined with dance classes or strength and endurance training groups. Participants were assessed for timed up and go (TUG), 6-min walking, single-leg stance, 30-s sit-to-stand, and stair-climbing tests. Strength was assessed using one-repetition maximum and muscle power at 30% and 70% of one-repetition maximum in the knee extension exercise. Vastus lateralis muscle thickness was assessed throughout ultrasonography. Quality of life, depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depressive Scale), cognitive performance (dual-task TUG and Mini-Mental State Examination), and affectivity for interventions were assessed using questionnaires. Interventions were performed twice weekly for 12 weeks.

There were no statistically significant differences between groups for any outcome. There were significant improvements (p < .05) for strength and endurance training and strength training combined with dance classes groups, respectively in TUG (in seconds; Δ = -0.7 vs. -0.8), 6-min walking (in meters; Δ = 30.6 vs. 18.5 m), single-leg stance (in seconds; Δ = 12.1 vs. 3.3), 30-s sit-to-stand (times; Δ = 2.4 vs. 4.7), stair-climbing (in seconds; Δ = -0.6 vs. -1), one-repetition maximum (in kilograms; Δ = 14.4 vs. 14.3), muscle power at 30% (in watts; Δ = 46.3 vs. 68.4), muscle power at 70% (in watts; Δ = 63.9 vs. 96.9), vastus lateralis muscle thickness (in millimeters; Δ = 1.1 vs. 1.6), Mini-Mental State Examination (score; Δ = 1.3 vs. 0.8), and dual-task TUG tests (in seconds; Δ = -1.1 vs. -1.4).

When combined with strength training, dance is an alternative to aerobic training for improving health parameters in older adults. Significance/Implications: Participants' preferences should be considered when proposing these combined training interventions.