Effects of plaza dancing and its impact on the figure, physical function and quality of life in middle-aged and elderly women

Objective: To investigate the effects of plaza dancing and its impact on the figure, physical function and quality of life in middle-aged and elderly women. Methods: A total of 109 middle-aged and elderly women in a community, were selected as the study subjects by the Department of Physical Health in Qiqihar Medical University, and divided into Group A (n=54) and Group B (n=55) in accordance with the exercise methods. Group A did not receive special intervention, and lived and worked normally, while Group B performed plaza dancing. The changes in the scores of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised in China (WMS-RC), figure, physical function and fitness and quality of life were compared between the two groups before and after intervention. Results: Compared with Group A, Group B had a smaller body mass index (BMI), waistline and hipline, lower weight, heart rate at the resting state, PSQI scores, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as a higher vital capacity and scores of WMS-RC and quality of life, a shorter duration of quadrant jumps, a longer duration of standing on one leg with eyes closed and distance reached in seated forward bending, after intervention (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The effect of plaza dancing is satisfactory, and plaza dancing is conducive to improving the figure, physical function and fitness, memory function, sleep quality and quality of life in middle-aged and elderly women.