Author(s)

Ding Cong

Corresponding Author

Ding Cong

Abstract

Objective: To understand the effect of the Square Dance in the physical fitness of old people involved in a 20 weeks exercise program. Methods: Participants were 60 old people doing a community Square Dance exercise program. Motivations were assessed using the Sport Activity Motivation Questionnaire and physical fitness was evaluated using the Functional Fitness Test battery, in two separate moments with a 20 weeks interval. The assumption of normality was checked using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Wilcoxon test was used to compare the group in different time moments. Results: Regarding motivations to Square Dance the items that scored higher were: “need to exercise”, “be with friends”, “make new friends” and “fun”. In terms of physical fitness variation, improvements in average were found in practically all fitness test between the 1st and 2nd evaluation, with significant statistical differences in 3 of the 5 tests applied. Conclusions: Old people´s major motives to participate in Square Dance are related to the motivational dimensions of physical fitness, general affiliation and pleasure. Additionally, Square Dance exercise programs have a positive impact to improve physical fitness in old people and play a determinant role on health promotion and successful aging.

Keywords

Motivation, physical fitness, old people, Square Dance .