Dance and neuromuscular exercise showed gains on physical tests in older adults
Both groups improved from their starting scores on several tests, but the abstract does not establish which program performed better.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Older adults in both programs improved on balance, lower limb function, and muscle strength tests. Only the dance group showed a statistically significant improvement on the Berg Balance Scale, but that alone does not establish superiority. The abstract reports no significant differences in fear of falling, joint mobility, or fear of movement.
The exercise group started with higher chair-stand scores. This abstract-based summary cannot assess the size or practical importance of improvements because change magnitudes and confidence intervals are missing; adverse-event details are also absent.
What researchers found
Tinetti balance and gait assessment scores
During 12 weeks, both programs improved scores relative to their own baselines (p < 0.05); this was a within-group comparison.
What the study measured
Researchers randomly assigned participants to either program and assessed balance, walking, leg function, muscle strength, and joint movement. They also measured fear of falling and kinesiophobia, meaning fear of movement.
The balance results differed by test
The Tinetti balance and gait assessment improved within both groups. On the Berg Balance Scale, significant improvement was reported only for dance. The abstract does not provide a clear estimate comparing their changes.
The original publication
Effects of neuromuscular exercise and dance therapy on physical performance and kinesiophobia in GERIATRICS: A randomized controlled study.
Cetinkaya O, Nalbant O, Odemis M et al.
J Bodyw Mov Ther · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 41316619
- Record checked
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