COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF LINE DANCING AND ELDERLY GYMNASTICS ON FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY IN COMMUNITY-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract

Background: The global increase in the elderly population highlights the urgent need for effective interventions to preserve mobility and reduce the risk of sarcopenia. While elderly gymnastics is a commonly recommended physical activity for older adults in Indonesia, line dancing has emerged as a more engaging alternative. However, comparative data on their effectiveness in reducing sarcopenia risk remain limited. Objective: To compare the effects of line dancing and elderly gymnastics on functional mobility among community-dwelling older adults with low baseline sarcopenia risk. Methods: This quasi-experimental pre-post-controlled study involved 36 participants aged 60–75 years, divided into a line dancing group (n = 20) and an elderly gymnastics group (n = 16). Both groups participated in supervised exercise sessions three times a week for six weeks. SARC-F scores and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test results were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in TUG performance, with the line dancing group demonstrating a greater reduction in time (−2.96 ± 1.15 seconds) than the elderly gymnastics group (−1.38 ± 1.17 seconds) (p < 0.001). However, no statistically significant improvements were observed in SARC-F scores within or between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both improved functional mobility, with line dancing showing superior benefits. While neither intervention significantly affected perceived sarcopenia risk. These findings suggest that line dancing may be a more effective strategy for enhancing mobility in older adults. Further studies with longer duration and objective muscle strength measurements are recommended. This study supports the benefits of line dancing as a community-based physical activity for improving mobility in the elderly.