Effects of dancing on cognition and mobility in Spanish‐speaking older Latinos: findings from the BAILA trial

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDespite literature showing the benefits of regular physical activity (PA), 1,2 older Latinos engage in low levels of PA3 putting them at high risk for mobility disability5 and cognitive impairment.2 Engaging Latinos in culturally responsive PA programs is important to improve cognition and physical function. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of a 4‐month BAILAMOS™ Latin dance intervention, followed by a 4‐month maintenance program on cognition and mobility in community dwelling older Latinos.MethodSpanish‐speaking older Latinos were randomized to the dance program (n=167) or health education condition (n=166). Participants completed neuropsychological tests that assessed working memory (WM), executive function, and episodic memory and completed a 400‐meter walk test at baseline, 4‐months, and 8‐months post‐intervention. Repeated analyses of covariance were conducted to test change in the outcomes at 4‐months and 8‐months post‐intervention. Significant findings found at the multivariate level were followed by reporting results from the univariate tests.ResultA significant difference in WM was found between the two groups [Wilk’s λ = .98 F 2,329 = 3.97, p = 0.034]. Follow‐up univariate tests found that the two groups were not significantly different at 4‐months, [F 1,329 = 3.74, p = 0.235, (d = .13)], but the dance group demonstrated a significant improvement in WM at 8‐months, [F 1,329 = 6.92, p = 0.017, (d = .20)]. No significant differences were found for executive function or episodic memory. For the 400‐meter walk test, findings show a significant difference between the two groups [Wilk’s λ = .98, F 2,329 = 4.37, p = 0.022]. Univariate tests revealed that the two groups were not significantly different at 4‐months, but were significantly different at 8‐months, [F 1,329 = 7.24, p = 0.013], such that the dance group had better mobility than the health education group, (d = ‐.46).ConclusionFindings indicate that participants who received the 4‐month maintenance dance program led to changes in WM and mobility. This study highlights the cognitive and physical implications and the importance of creating sustainable community‐based PA programs. Funding: National Institute of Nursing Research: R01NR013151.