Effect of Dance Interventions on the Physical Capacity of Elderly Women: A Systematic Review

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the effects of dance on the physical fitness of older women. Methods: This is an integrative literature review covering the period from 2013 to 2023. The selection was based on combinations of the following descriptors: dance, elderly, women, physical fitness, physical capacity, flexibility, balance, muscular strength, speed, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Searches were conducted in the PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies were included if they investigated women aged 60 years or older who participated in dance programmes lasting at least eight weeks. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed according to the criteria established by the Cochrane Collaboration. Results: The search identified 331 articles, of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. The findings revealed statistically significant improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, balance, flexibility, agility, and gait speed among participants. However, no significant changes were observed in body mass index. Conclusions: The results support the viability of dance as an effective intervention for improving physical fitness in older women.