Health and Gait Outcomes in Elderly Dancers Compared to Inactive Adults

Functional mobility is measured with the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. This test quantifies the time (in seconds) required for a participant to rise from a standard armchair with a seat height of approximately 46 cm and arm height of 65 cm, walk three meters to a cone, turn around, return to the chair, and sit down again. They are allowed to wear their usual footwear, use their usual walking aids, and use the chair arms for support when standing up. Physical assistance was not provided. After an initial familiarization trial, two successive test performances are recorded, and the mean value is used for analyses. If needed, a 30-second rest-period is allowed between trials.

Spatial and temporal parameters of gait are assessed using a mobile gait analysis device (Kinesis Gait®)., This device utilizes non-invasive surface inertial sensors to collect movement data during walking tasks. The sensors are securely attached to the ventral surface of the lower leg at mid-height using Velcro straps, positioned at the midpoint of an imaginary line connecting the tibial tuberosity and the lateral malleolus.

The data collected by the sensors is processed in real time by the device's integrated software, which generates the both visual and numerical representation of specific gait parameters. These results are compiled into a structured table for further analysis and interpretation.

Body composition is measured using the OMRON BF511 device, which utilizes bioelectrical impedance analysis to estimate body fat percentage and other related metrics. During the measurement, the participants are barefoot and begin by entering their age, gender, and height into the device. Participants are then instructed to stand upright on the measuring surface of the device, placing their feet firmly on the metal platforms (footplate electrodes) with knees straight, and body weight evenly distributed across both feet. They are asked to hold the electrode handles with both hands, raising them to a 90-degree angle in front of the chest with the elbows extended, maintaining this position until the measurement is complete and results are displayed on the screen.

Grip-strength is measured using the Kern MAP 40K1 dynamometer, a reliable tool for evaluating upper limb muscular strength.

During the assessment, participants are seated with the dominant arm relaxed at their side, the elbow flexed at 90 degrees, and the wrist and forearm in a neutral position.

Each participant is instructed to squeeze the dynamometer with maximum effort twice consecutively, maintaining the grip for 3 to 5 seconds per attempt. A 30-second rest period is provided between the two trials. The higher value of the two measurements is recorded as the final grip strength score.

Functional lower limb muscle strength is evaluated using the 30-second Sit-to-Stand Test. Prior to testing, participants are seated in a chair with an approximate seat height of 46 cm, positioned so that their feet are flat on the floor and their knees are bent at a 90° angle. With their arms folded across the chest, they are instructed to rise to a full standing position and return to a seated position as many times as possible within 30 seconds. The total number of completed sit-to-stand repetitions is recorded as the test score.

Lower body flexibility is assessed using the Chair Sit and Reach Test, a reliable measure of hamstring and lower back flexibility in older adults. Participants are seated on the edge of a chair with the non-dominant leg bent at a 90° angle, foot flat on the floor. The dominant leg is extended forward keeping the knee fully straight. Using both hands, participants are instructed to reach toward the toes of the extended leg as far as possible. The distance between fingers and toes is measured in centimeters. A negative score is given if the fingers do not reach the toes whereas a positive score is given if fingers extend beyond the toes.

Upper-body flexibility is assessed using the Back Scratch Test, a widely used measure of shoulder mobility. During the test, participants reach one arm over the shoulder and the other up the middle of the back, attempting to touch or overlap the middle fingers. The distance between the fingertips (measured in centimeters) is recorded as either a positive value (if the fingers overlap) or a negative value (if there is a gap).

Aerobic endurance is measured with the 2-minute step test that is an adaptation of the 6-minute walk test for older adults. Participants are asked to step in place, raising the knees to a height halfway between the hip bone and the kneecap. The score was the total number of times the right knee reached the point midway between the kneecap and hip bone.

Mental well-being is evaluated using the Hungarian version of World Health Organization-Five Well-Being Index (WHO-5). This validated self-report instrument consisting of five positively worded statements reflecting the respondent's emotional state over the previous two weeks. Each statement is rated on a 6-point Likert scale ranging from 0 ("at no time") to 5 ("all of the time"), with higher total scores indicating better mental well-being.