Comparison Between Dance-Based and Traditional Exercise on Health-Related Quality of Life: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) includes physical health, cognitive well-being, and the presence of social support. Declines in HRQoL can result in physical impairment, social isolation, and impaired cognition. Regular exercise (EX) participation may lead to better HRQoL among older adults. Dance-oriented group fitness classes (DANCE) can provide participants with structured EX that involves high levels of coordination and social comradery. DANCE EX may be a viable alternative to traditional EX (TRAD) for the maintenance of HRQoL.

PURPOSE: To determine whether participation in regular DANCE EX displays higher HRQoL in older adults when compared to those who participate in TRAD EX.

METHODS: Twenty-nine older adults (age 69.8 ± 9.6 yrs; 28 females; 93.1% white) enrolled in a cross-sectional study examining those who either participated in DANCE EX or TRAD EX at the time of enrollment. All participants completed the following assessments: the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 subscale for physical functioning (SF-36); the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE); the Duke Social Support Index (DSSI); and the Senior Fitness Test (SFT).

RESULTS: A MANOVA test demonstrated a statistically significant difference in SFT scores between groups (F(2,29) = 3.11 p < 0.02; Wilk's λ = 0.29, partial η2 = 0.17). Univariate ANOVA tests detected a significant different between groups for chair stand (F(2,29) = 18.63, DANCE: 15.38 ± 4.05, TRAD: 9.07 ± 3.69; p < 0.001), 8 ft up-and-go (F(2,29) = 6.57, DANCE: 5.53 ± 1.02, TRAD: 7.87 ± 3.15; p = 0.02), 2 min step test (F(2,29) = 17.09, DANCE: 100.69 ± 19.58, TRAD: 66.47 ± 30.94; p < 0.001), and SF-36 (F(2,29) = 4.14, DANCE: 92.31 ± 5.25, TRAD: 79.31 ± 22.46; p = 0.05). Neither perceived social support nor cognitive function were significantly different between groups (p > 0.05). Weekly MET-mins of moderate (DANCE: 2,487.7 ± 2,226.3, TRAD: 1,752.0 ± 1,734.5) and vigorous (DANCE: 2,870.8 ± 2,829.8, TRAD: 1,920.0 ± 3,301.5) physical activity did not differ between groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: DANCE EX supported higher levels of physical health—and no effect on cognitive well-being and social support—when compared to TRAD EX. DANCE EX may be a viable form of EX to support HRQoL in older adults.