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Effects of Ballroom Dance on Physical Fitness and Reaction Time in Experienced Middle-Aged Adults of Both Genders

Author

Listed:
  • Valerio Bonavolontà

    (Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy
    The contribution of the first two authors must be considered equal.)

  • Francesca Greco

    (Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
    The contribution of the first two authors must be considered equal.)

  • Umberto Sabatini

    (Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Institute of Neuroradiology, Magna Græcia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy)

  • Francisco J. Saavedra

    (Research Centre for Sports Sciences, Health and Human Development Sport Sciences Department, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal)

  • Francesco Fischetti

    (Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, School of Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy)

  • Carlo Baldari

    (Department of Theoretical and Applied Sciences, eCampus University, 22060 Novedrate, Italy)

  • Laura Guidetti

    (“Niccolò Cusano” University, 00166 Rome, Italy)

  • Maria Grazia Vaccaro

    (Neuroscience Centre, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy)

  • Gian Pietro Emerenziani

    (Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy)

Abstract

Ballroom dance practice might play a pivotal role for successful aging, but its effects could differ depending on dancers’ experience level. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of six months of ballroom dance (three times/w) on physical fitness and reaction time (RT) in 24 middle-aged adults who are experienced dancers (age: 59.4 ± 11.6 years). Body composition, handgrip test (HG), standing long-jump test (SLJ), step test (ST), one-legged stance balance test (OLSB), and RT were assessed before (T 0 ) and after six months (T 6 ) of dance practice. RT was re-evaluated four months later (T 10 ). RT was significantly (p < 0.05) lower at T 6 (221.2 ± 20.3 ms) and T 10 (212.0 ± 21.9 ms) than T 0 (239.1 ± 40,7 ms); no significant differences were found between T 6 and T 10 . No significant differences were observed for all the other parameters between T 0 and T 6 : weight and muscle mass were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in females than in males, and percentage of fat mass was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in females than in males. HG was significantly higher in males than females (p < 0.01). Results suggest that in experienced middle-aged adults of both genders, ballroom dance may positively influence RT, and this result could be maintained for four months.

Suggested Citation

  • Valerio Bonavolontà & Francesca Greco & Umberto Sabatini & Francisco J. Saavedra & Francesco Fischetti & Carlo Baldari & Laura Guidetti & Maria Grazia Vaccaro & Gian Pietro Emerenziani, 2021. "Effects of Ballroom Dance on Physical Fitness and Reaction Time in Experienced Middle-Aged Adults of Both Genders," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-9, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:4:p:2036-:d:502172
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Ludovica Cardinali & Davide Curzi & Emanuela Maccarani & Lavinia Falcioni & Matteo Campanella & Dafne Ferrari & Claudia Maulini & Maria Chiara Gallotta & Giovanna Zimatore & Carlo Baldari & Laura Guid, 2022. "Live Streaming vs. Pre-Recorded Training during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italian Rhythmic Gymnastics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Stefano La Greca & Mariano Rapali & Giuliano Ciaprini & Luca Russo & Maria Giulia Vinciguerra & Riccardo Di Giminiani, 2022. "Acute and Chronic Effects of Supervised Flexibility Training in Older Adults: A Comparison of Two Different Conditioning Programs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-12, December.

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