Effects of dance training on functional fitness level in 50-to-80 year-old women

Abstract

Functional capacity is reduced in aging. However, physical activity may improve the functional fitness and the ability to perform daily life’s physical tasks. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of dance training on functional fitness components and functional fitness level index (FFLI). Twenty-eight women (62.28 ± 6.93 years) participated in 4-months of dance training, with 3 sessions/week of 1 hour. The volunteers were assessed by motor test battery of AAHPERD. The analysis was conducted through descriptive statistics, Student paired t-test and Wilcoxon test. There were significant gains after training in AGILEQ (s): 24.5±3.5/ 20.1±2.8*, RESISTRE (rep): 30.8±4.0/32.7±4.6* e IAFG (pt.): 364.0 /375.0* and maintenance of other components of functional fitness. The results suggested that training dance for a period of four months is effective to improve AGILEQ, RESISTRE e IAFG of women with 50 to 80 years.