The Effect of Dance- and Strength-Endurance Intervention on Cognitive Abilities in Elderly People

Mental and physical health is closely related to successful aging. This study examined the effects of dance training compared to strength/endurance training and a combination of both on fluid intelligence, general intelligence and working memory of older individuals (M=68+/-4.16 yr.). 95 seniors were randomly assigned to the following groups: 1. Dance, 2. Sport, 3. Dance and Sport. The dance group and the sport group practiced 90 minutes, and the group dance and sport for 180 minutes for 15 months. The results show significant performance increases in all measured variables in the three groups. Post Hoc analysis clarify, that the improvements do not differ between the groups significantly. Any physical activity contributes to successful aging.