Dance, aging, and neuroplasticity: an integrative review

Neurocase. 2021 Aug;27(4):372-381. doi: 10.1080/13554794.2021.1966047. Epub 2021 Aug 13.

Abstract

This study aimed to summarize investigations that examined the benefits of dance on the neuroplasticity of older healthy adults, report structural and functional changes in the brain, and identify the strategies used in training protocols. The integrative review was perfomed in PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases, including randomized clinical trials, quasi-experimental, cross-sectional and cohort studies published in English, between 2010-2020. Twelve articles ware selected. Dance practice was associated with an improvement in functional connectivity, cognitive performance, and incresead brain volumes. Our results main supports studies on the plasticity induced by dance training in healthy older people.

Keywords: Dance; aging; neuroplasticity; older adults.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aging*
  • Brain
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Dancing*
  • Humans
  • Neuronal Plasticity*