Health Benefits of Dance Exercise

In Greece, people of different age groups, including young children to older adults, participate in dance exercise training. Although it is well-known that regular participation in dancing is associated with benefits such as entertainment, socialization and increased physical activity, the long-term effects of dancing on metabolic and mental health as well as physical performance remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a 6-month dancing exercise intervention on metabolic and mental health and physical performance in premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Inclusion Criteria: * Free of musculoskeletal injuries * Free of chronic non-communicable diseases * Normal menstrual cycle (for premenopausal women) * No recent childbirth (previous 12 months) (for premenopausal women) * At least 12 months since the oncet of menopause (for postmenopausal women) * Non smokers Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy (for premenopausal women) * Contraindications to exercise training * Illness or other medical condition * Use of medication