EFFECT OF GYMNASTICS TRAINING ON PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN MIDDLE-AGED AND ELDERLY DANCERS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Ballroom dancing has become popular as an exercise method that encompasses many benefits in the social aspect. However, some middle-aged and elderly dancers have suffered from injuries and other problems from dancing. The comprehensive understanding of gymnastic training to solve this problem has not yet been raised, without which no adequate means of prevention can be outlined. Objective: Study the effect of balanced aerobic training on the physical fitness of middle-aged and elderly ballroom dance practitioners. Methods: A study was conducted with 50 volunteers practicing ballroom dancing, middle-aged and elderly, divided into experimental and control groups. According to the community square dance protocol, the control group performed the dance for one hour daily. The experimental group also used the same period and technique, introducing balanced aerobic exercises. Fitness and performance data were collected before and after the intervention, analyzed, and presented statistically. Results: In the experimental group, the growth rate of the grip strength index was 28.70%, the lumbar strength index was 32.27%, the time rate in the orthostatic position was 6.28%, and the sitting forward flexion index was 6.69%. Conclusion: Compared to traditional community sports, balanced aerobics inserted into ballroom dance training showed an improvement effect on the physical and sports fitness of middle-aged and elderly women, and may also prevent the adverse effects of aging on activities of daily living, and its implementation is valid. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.