Impact of Latin Dance on Physical Activity, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Sedentary Behavior among Latinos attending an Adult Day Center

The aim of this study was to determine if a Latin dance program with sedentary behavior information would have an impact on physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), and sedentary behavior among older Latinos attending an Adult Day Center (ADC). Participants [N=21, 75.4 ± 6.3 years old, 22.4± 2.8 MMSE score] were randomized into a dance or wait-list control group. Participants wore an accelerometer and inclinometer, completed a sedentary behavior questionnaire, and a non-exercise equation was used to calculate CRF. Results indicate small-medium effect sizes in the desired direction during midpoint of the intervention for physical activity, sedentary behavior-related outcomes, CRF, and self-reported sedentary behavior in the dance group, however; dance participants did not maintain that trajectory for the remaining two months of the intervention. Future studies may consider implementing behavioral strategies during midpoint of the intervention to encourage participants attending an ADC to maintain physical activity and sedentary behavior changes.