Impact of Senior Dance on emotional and motor parameters and quality of life of the elderly

José Alípio Garcia Gouvêa; Mateus Dias Antunes; Flávio Bortolozzi; Andrea Grano Marques; Sônia Maria Marques Gomes Bertolini

doi:10.15253/2175-6783.2017000100008

Authors

José Alípio Garcia Gouvêa Centro Universitário de Maringá
Mateus Dias Antunes Centro Universitário de Maringá
Flávio Bortolozzi Centro Universitário de Maringá
Andrea Grano Marques Centro Universitário de Maringá
Sônia Maria Marques Gomes Bertolini Centro Universitário de Maringá

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15253/2175-6783.2017000100008

Keywords:

Dancing, Postural Balance, Aged, Mental Health, Quality of Life.

Abstract

Objective: to verify the effects of Senior Dance on cognitive and motor parameters and quality of life of elderly people. Methods: pre-experimental study with pre- and post-test for a group with a convenience sample composed of 20 elderly of both genders. Participants were evaluated through the agility test, the balance scale and inventories of depression and anxiety, and a questionnaire on quality of life. Elderly people participated in a physical activity program featured as Senior Dance for a period of three months. Results: the intervention resulted in improved scores in most of the variables, with significant results only for anxiety classified as temporary emotional state. Conclusion: Senior Dance was effective as physical exercise to improve the quality of life, as well as the physical and mental health of the elderly.