engleski

The Efficacy of Dance Intervention as a Cognitive Training for Old-Old

This research investigates the efficacy of dance intervention of moderate length (10- weeks, 45min/week) on a sample of old-old living in a residential care setting. The study focused on the effect of the intervention on aspects of cognitive functioning (short-term memory, executive functioning). Also, changes in general self-efficacy and life satisfaction were investigated. Twenty-four older adults (mean age M=80.8), with no cognitive impairments, participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to two programs: the experimental group attended the dance intervention, while the active control group was involved in an alternative (non- dance) program. A pretest, posttest and follow- up measurement was conducted. A 2x3 mixed design ANOVA revealed benefit in short-term memory and executive functioning for the trained group, but not for the active control, and this benefit was maintained at the five months follow-up. These results suggest that training procedures, based on dance, could improve cognitive functioning in old-old.

dance exercise ; cognitive training ; executive function ; older adults

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