Background: Preserving health and physical fitness is critical to ensure independent living across the lifespan. Lower levels of physical fitness are associated with age-related cognitive decline and a higher prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Thus, this study investigates the influence of a six-month dance intervention on selected measures of physical fitness in older adults with MCI. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 55 patients with MCI were randomized into a sportive dance training (IG; n = 26; age: 70.7 ± 5.6 years; 62% female) or an inactive control group (CG; n = 24; age: 69.1 ± 6.8 years; 46% female). The dance group received two 90 min dance training sessions per week over a duration of six-months, which focused on learning dance movement patterns. During the training sessions, heart rate was measured to control exercise intensity. Physical fitness was assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), lower limb functional fitness via sit-to-stand test, handgrip strength, and heart rate variability (HRV). Results: We observed that the dance intervention preserved the cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max) during CPET, which decreased in the CG. Furthermore, participants in the IG demonstrated increases in leg and handgrip strength, although these were not statistically significant. HRV displayed a non-significant decrease following the intervention. Conclusions: The results of this randomized controlled trial suggest that sportive dance training can preserve elements of physical fitness (i.e., cardiorespiratory fitness) in older adults with MCI. Although improvements in the other parameters (i.e., leg and handgrip strength) were statistically non-significant, likely due to the small sample size, stabilizing muscular fitness and preventing age-related decline in older adults with MCI is important for maintaining functional independence. For future studies, we recommend a longer training duration paired with precise control of regular physical activity levels, an important confounding factor.

Background/Objectives: Older adults with mild cognitive impairment often exhibit reduced postural control and increased fall risk. As fall-related injuries consume substantial healthcare resources, the development of fall-preventive interventions is of public health relevance. This study aims to investigate the effects of a six-month dance intervention on postural control and fall-related measures in older adults with mild cognitive impairment. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 55 participants were allocated to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group performed two 90-min dance training sessions per week for six months, while the control group maintained their usual activities of daily living. Postural control was operationalized via balance performance, which was measured with the Sensory Organization Test and the Limits of Stability Test. Neuromuscular function of the lower extremities was assessed via muscle contraction velocity using tensiomyography. Fear of falling was quantified with the Falls Efficacy Scale, and participants reported fall history over the past year. It was hypothesized that older adults with mild cognitive impairment participating in the six-month dance training would show significantly greater improvements in postural control and fall-related outcomes than those in the control group. Results: A mixed analysis of variance (time × group) revealed no significant improvements in balance performance or neuromuscular function following the dance intervention (p > 0.05). However, several main effects for time were observed in the Sensory Organization Test, Limits of Stability Test, and muscle contraction velocity. Scores on the Falls Efficacy Scale improved significantly in the intervention group, reflecting reduced fear of falling, although only shown by a paired-samples t-test (t(23)= 2.276, p = 0.032, d = 0.465). Conclusions: This study did not provide evidence that a six-month dance intervention improves postural or neuromuscular functions. However, it cannot be ruled out that such null findings are related to confounding factors, such as insufficient training specificity or duration. Nonetheless, the fear of falling was significantly reduced in the intervention group, suggesting potential benefits for perceived fall risk in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Background: Preserving health and physical fitness is critical to ensure independent living across the lifespan. Lower levels of physical fitness are associated with age-related cognitive decline and a higher prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Thus, this study investigates the influence of a six-month dance intervention on selected measures of physical fitness in older adults with MCI. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial 55 patients with MCI were randomized into a sportive dance training (IG; n=26; Age: 70.7 +/- 5.6 years; 62% female) or an inactive control group (CG; n=24; Age: 69.1 +/- 6.8 years; 46% female).The dance group received two 90-minute dance training sessions per week over a duration of six-months, which focused on learning dance movement patterns. During the training sessions, heartrate was measured to control exercise intensity. Physical fitness was assessed using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), lower limb functional fitness via sit-to-stand test, handgrip strength and heart rate variability (HRV). Results: We observed that the dance intervention preserved the cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) during CPET, which decreased in the CG. Furthermore, participants in the IG demonstrated increases in leg and handgrip strength although not statistically significant. HRV displayed a nonsignificant decrease following the intervention. Conclusion: The results of this randomized controlled trial suggest that sportive dance training can preserve physical fitness in older adults with MCI. Although improvements in the other parameters were statistically non-significant, likely due to the small sample size, stabilizing muscular fitness and preventing age-related decline in older adults with MCI is important for maintaining functional independence.