Effect of Dance Fit program on physical activity, physical fitness and cognitive function in the elderly

Main Article Content

Piyaporn Wichaidit
Benjawan Saelao
Thachakorn Sa-ngounsak
Kanokwan Polsa
Phongprapat Sena
Fuengfa Khobkhun

Abstract

Background: The elderly commonly experience reduced strength, decreased physical activity, impaired balance, and cognitive decline. Engaging in enjoyable group exercises, such as dancing with music, can alleviate these issues by enhancing motivation and promoting physical activity.


Objective: To examine the effects of the Dance Fit program on physical activity, physical fitness, and cognitive function in the elderly.


Methods: Sixty-three participants were divided into two groups: a Dance Fit group (n = 32) and a control group (n = 31). The Dance Fit group participated in 75-minute sessions (15-minute warm-up, 45-minute moderate-intensity aerobic dance and 15-minute cool-down), three times per week for six weeks. The control group continued with their usual daily activities. Assessments of leg and arm strength, flexibility, balance, dynamic balance and agility, cardiovascular endurance, cognitive function, and physical activity levels were conducted at baseline, week 3, and week 6. A Mixed Model ANOVA was used to analyze the interaction effects between group and time of assessment.


Results: Significant interactions between group and time (p < 0.05) were found for leg and arm strength, body flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, and physical activity levels. The Dance Fit group showed significant improvements in these variables between baseline and week 6. Additionally, significant main effects of group (p < 0.05) were observed for dynamic balance and agility, as well as cognitive function, between baseline and week 6.   


Conclusion: The Dance Fit program enhances leg and arm strength, increases body flexibility, improves cardiovascular endurance, and increases physical activity levels in the elderly.


 

Article Details

How to Cite
1.
Wichaidit P, Saelao B, Sa-ngounsak T, Polsa K, Sena P, Khobkhun F. Effect of Dance Fit program on physical activity, physical fitness and cognitive function in the elderly. Thai J Phys Ther [internet]. 2025 Aug. 20 [cited 2026 Jan. 25];47(2):57-79. available from: https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tjpt/article/view/271820
Section
Research Articles

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