Association of Tai Chi and Square Dance with Cognitive Function in Chinese Older Adults.

OBJECTIVE: This study explores the association of Tai Chi and square dance with cognitive function and compares the effects of the two fitness programs on cognitive function in Chinese older adults. METHODS: A total of 1732 older people (aged 60 years and over) met the inclusion criteria from the 2018 Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. Based on the frequency of participating in Tai Chi and square dance, older adults were divided into three groups: a Tai Chi group (n = 234), a square dance group (n = 345), and a control group (n = 1153). Cognitive function was measured using a modified Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Participation in Tai Chi or square dance was investigated by asking the subjects to report how often they participated in the fitness programs. RESULTS: Older adults in both the Tai Chi group and the square dance group had higher scores in all MMSE items, including orientation, registration, attention and calculation, recall, and language, compared to those in the control group. But there were no significant differences in any MMSE items between the Tai Chi group and the square dance group. Multiple regression analysis showed that participating in Tai Chi or square dance, age, educational level, and sex can predict cognitive function in older people. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that participating in Tai Chi and square dance are associated with better cognitive function, and Tai Chi and square dance have similar effects on cognitive function in the Chinese older population.

Enhancing Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Efficacy for Middle-Aged Women with Stress Urinary Incontinence Through Square Dance Integration: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is effectively managed through pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT), yet poor adherence often undermines its efficacy. Given square dancing's popularity among middle-aged women, its integration with PFMT could potentially increase patient compliance. This study aims to investigate the impact of a hybrid program combining square dance and PFMT on SUI symptoms, quality of life, and treatment adherence in this demographic. Methods: Seventy-seven female participants from Luoyang were randomly allocated to an intervention group undergoing a 12-week program combining square dancing with PFMT, and two control groups receiving standard health advice or square dancing alone. Outcomes were assessed using subjective urinary incontinence rating, the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-SF), and the Urinary Incontinence Quality of Life Scale (I-QOL), and a PFMT diary for compliance. Satisfaction was scored on a 10-point scale. Results: Participants (mean age: 53.35±5.11 years) did not differ significantly at baseline. Post-intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in SUI symptoms and quality of life compared to both control groups (P < 0.05), with higher compliance (96.54% vs 54.82% in control I) and satisfaction (8.86±0.85). Conclusion: Combining PFMT with square dancing significantly improved SUI symptoms, quality of life, and adherence among middle-aged women. Notably, despite the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions during the 12-week intervention period, the communal and enjoyable nature of square dancing likely contributed to enhanced motivation and satisfaction.

Effects of square dance exercise on cognitive function in elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment: the mediating role of balance ability and executive function.

BACKGROUND: Square dancing is a kind of aerobic fitness exercise without environmental restrictions that yields many benefits for physical and mental health; this exercise is popular among middle-aged and elderly people in China and in these populations in other countries. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of square dance exercise on the overall cognitive function of elderly individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to research its mechanisms. METHODS: A total of 60 elderly people with MCI (60-69 years old) without square dance experience were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 30) and a control group (n = 30). The experimental group participated in square dance exercise for 12 weeks, while the control group maintained their original lifestyle habits. One week before and after the intervention period, the overall cognitive function, physical fitness, and executive function of both groups were measured. RESULTS: According to the results, square dance exercise directly improved the overall cognitive function of elderly individuals with MCI and indirectly affected overall cognitive function through the mediating effects of balance ability and executive function. CONCLUSIONS: Square dance exercise represents a nonpharmacological intervention for the prevention and treatment of MCI. Importantly, it is best to combine this exercise with other forms of physical exercise and comprehensive treatment programs such as cognitive training, social interaction, and psychological intervention to realize its maximum effect.

Mechanisms connecting square dance to sleep quality among middle-aged and older Chinese females: serial mediation roles of social support and depressive symptoms.

Background: Square dance is gaining increasing popularity among middle-aged and older Chinese women who are also at high risk of sleep disturbance. Although previous studies have shown exercise could improve sleep quality, the association between square dance and sleep quality remains to be discussed, and even less is known about the potential mechanism underlying this association. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between square dance and sleep quality and test if social support and depressive symptoms together play a serial mediating role in the influence of square dance on sleep quality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 549 middle-aged and older Chinese females from September to December 2020 in Shao Yang City, Hunan Province of China, with ethics approval granted (SYU [2020]002). Square dance involvement was assessed by three questions about the time participants spent in square dance. Social support, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality were measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Social Support Self-Rating Scale (SSRS), and 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. The serial mediation model was analyzed by the bootstrapping method to assess whether social support and depressive symptoms mediate the relationship between square dance and sleep quality. Results: Two-thirds of the participants had high involvement in square dance and most reported a moderate and high level of social support (98.54%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms and sleep disturbance was 19.49 and 26.78%, respectively. The serial mediation model showed a significant association between square dance and sleep quality, which was fully mediated by social support and depressive symptoms in a serial model (total effect c = -0.114, 95%CI = -0.227 to -0.001; direct effect c' = -0.036, 95% CI = -0.138 to 0.065; total indirect effect ab = -0.077, 95% CI = -0.139 to-0.016). Conclusion: Our study extends the understanding of how square dance is associated with sleep quality through the serial mediating roles of social support and depressive symptoms. It provides crucial implications for developing square dance interventions to improve sleep quality among middle-aged and older Chinese females.

Relationships among Square Dance, Group Cohesion, Perceived Social Support, and Psychological Capital in 2721 Middle-Aged and Older Adults in China.

(1) Background: Aging is a global phenomenon, and China's aging is extensive and rapid and already at the middle to upper level worldwide. Promoting social interaction and increasing positive psychological qualities in individuals are key components in helping people adapt to the physical and mental changes of the aging process. Among them, how middle-aged and older adults improve their physical and mental health through physical activity is of great concern. (2) Methods: This study measured the physical activity of 2721 middle-aged and elderly square dance participants across China, and structural equation modeling was applied to explore the relationship between square dance exercise and group cohesion as well as the role of perceived social support and psychological capital. (3) Results: The results showed that (a) square dance exercise positively predicts group cohesion among middle-aged and older adults. (b) Perceived social support and psychological capital mediate the relationship between square dance exercise and group cohesion, and the mediating role consists of three pathways: perceived social support alone, psychological capital alone, and perceived social support-psychological capital chain mediation. (c) The mediating effect of psychological capital alone is greater than the mediating effect of perceived social support alone and the mediating effect of the perceived social support-psychological capital chain. (4) Conclusions: This study provides support for the theory and practice of square dance exercise and intervention guidance for increasing positive psychological qualities and group dynamic levels in middle-aged and older adults.

Influence of square dancing on motor function of middle-aged and elderly women / Influência da dança de quadrilha na função motora de mulheres de meia-idade e idosas / Influencia del baile de cuadrilla en la función motora de mujeres de mediana edad y de edad avanzada

ABSTRACT Introduction The quality of life of middle-aged and elderly women is affected by the physiological effects of aging on the locomotor system; moderate aerobic exercise is one of the practices that can delay these deleterious effects. Square dancing has functional characteristics of aerobic exercise, but there are still no studies on its effects on motor function in middle-aged and elderly women who practice it regularly. Objective Explore the long-duration square dance exercises' effect on motor function in middle-aged and elderly women. Methods 45 middle-aged and elderly women, divided into experimental and control groups, participated. The experimental group (n=25) performed square dancing exercises of 90 minutes four times a week for six months. Indicators of physical function, vital capacities, and motor function indices were collected. Results After exercise, improved grip strength of the middle-aged women in the square dance group and the 1-minute sessions was observed; in particular, the mean value of the selection response reduced from 516.20±83.87 before exercise to 440.28±58.07, a very significant difference. Conclusion Long-term square dance exercise has a particular effect on improving the cardiopulmonary function of middle-aged and elderly women and significantly improved motor function. Evidence Level II; Therapeutic Studies - Investigating the result.

RESUMO Introdução A qualidade de vida das mulheres de meia idade e idosas são afetadas pelos efeitos fisiológicos do envelhecimento no sistema locomotor; o exercício aeróbico moderado é comprovadamente uma das práticas que pode retardar esses efeitos deletérios. A dança de quadrilha tem características funcionais de exercício aeróbico, porém ainda não há estudos sobre seus efeitos sobre a função motora em mulheres de meia-idade e idosas que a praticam regularmente. Objetivo Explorar o efeito dos exercícios de dança de quadrilha de longa duração sobre a função motora nas mulheres de meia-idade e idosas. Métodos 45 mulheres de meia-idade e idosas, divididas em grupo experimental e controle, participaram do experimento. As mulheres do grupo experimental (n=25) realizaram exercícios de dança de quadrilha de 90 minutos, 4 vezes por semana durante 6 meses. Foram coletados indicadores de função física, capacidades vitais e índices de função motora. Resultados Após o exercício, a força de preensão das mulheres de meia-idade no grupo de dança de quadrilha e as sessões de 1 minuto foram significativamente melhoradas, em particular, o valor médio da resposta de seleção foi reduzido de 516,20±83,87 antes do exercício para 440,28±58,07, houve uma diferença muito significativa. Conclusão O exercício de dança de quadrilha de longo prazo tem um certo efeito na melhoria da função cardiopulmonar de mulheres de meia-idade e idosas, sua função motora foi significativamente melhorada. Nível de evidência II; Estudos Terapêuticos - Investigação de Resultados.

RESUMEN Introducción La calidad de vida de las mujeres de mediana y avanzada edad se ve afectada por los efectos fisiológicos del envejecimiento sobre el aparato locomotor; el ejercicio aeróbico moderado es una de las prácticas que pueden retrasar estos efectos deletéreos. El baile de cuadrilla tiene características funcionales de ejercicio aeróbico, sin embargo, aún no hay estudios sobre sus efectos en la función motora en mujeres de mediana edad y ancianas que lo practican regularmente. Objetivo Explorar el efecto de los ejercicios de baile de cuadrilla de larga duración sobre la función motora en mujeres de mediana y avanzada edad. Métodos 45 mujeres de mediana y avanzada edad, divididas en grupos experimental y de control, participaron en el experimento. Las mujeres del grupo experimental (n=25) realizaron ejercicios de baile de cuadrilla de 90 minutos, 4 veces por semana durante 6 meses. Se recogieron indicadores de función física, capacidades vitales e índices de función motora. Resultados Después del ejercicio, la fuerza de agarre de las mujeres de mediana edad del grupo de baile de cuadrilla y de las sesiones de 1 minuto mejoró significativamente, en particular, el valor medio de la respuesta de selección se redujo de 516,20±83,87 antes del ejercicio a 440,28±58,07, lo que supuso una diferencia muy significativa. Conclusión El ejercicio del baile de cuadrilla a largo plazo tiene un cierto efecto en la mejora de la función cardiopulmonar de las mujeres de mediana edad y de las ancianas, y su función motora mejoró significativamente. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - Investigación de resultados.

The beneficial effects of square dance on musculoskeletal system in early postmenopausal Chinese women: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study was set to investigate the correlation between square dance and musculoskeletal system of early postmenopausal Chinese women. METHODS: Chinese postmenopausal women, who had been without menstruation for 1-10 years from the onset of menopause were recruited from community centers for this study. A standardized structured face-to-face interview was performed to collect demographic information, life styles, personal medical history, diet and menstrual status. Subjects who had been practicing regular square dance without participated in other sports activities for more than 2 years and over 4 h per week (usually more than 45 min per time and more than 5 times per week) were assigned to square dance group. Those postmenopausal women who had not participated in regular exercises (no more than 0.5 h per week) were recruited as the sedentary control group. Bone mineral density (BMD) of spine, total hip and femoral neck was measured by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Lower limb muscle strength was measured for the non-dominant leg, body flexibility was measured by a simple trunk bend-and-reach test, and body balance was evaluated using a single-stance test for the non-dominant leg. Independent two-tailed Student's t-test was used for data analysis. RESULTS: 152 subjects from community centers were selected for this study and divided into square dance group (n = 74) and control group (n = 78). The square dance subjects had higher lumbar spine BMD (p = 0.01) and total hip BMD (p = 0.02) than control subjects, but there was no significant difference of femoral neck BMD (p = 0.48) between these two groups. Functional testing indicated that square dance subjects had higher lower limb muscle strength (p < 0.01) and longer single-stance time (p = 0.02) than the control subjects, but there was no significant difference in trunk bend-and-reach (p = 0.12) between these two groups. CONCLUSION: Our results show that postmenopausal Chinese women can get beneficial effects, like higher BMD, stronger lower limb muscle and improved body balance ability on musculoskeletal system by participating in square dance regularly.

Effect of Square Dance Interventions on Physical and Mental Health among Chinese Older Adults: A Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Square dancing is an emerging form of aerobic exercise in China, especially among middle-aged and older people. The benefits of square dancing have been investigated and promoted in recent years through research and interventions. Interventions have been conducted to promote the participants' reactionary participation in physical activity, social and family cohesion, and other psychological benefits. Therefore, square dancing has been promoted as a major factor in China's increase in physical activity prevalence. (2) Methods: A systematic review was used to identify studies that have indicated the effect of square dancing on the physical and mental health among Chinese older adults. (3) Results: Twenty-four studies examining the effects of square dancing on older Chinese adults were extracted. These studies were not found in English databases. The quality of the retrieved studies had a moderate-to-high risk of bias. Square dancing interventions were shown to result in effective mental, physical, and cognitive improvements in the systematic synthesis. (4) Conclusions: This study examined the effects of square dancing in China over the past 10 years on the physical and mental health of older adults. Based on the results of this study, recommendations can be made for future square dance interventions for older adults such as male-oriented, mixed-gender, or intergenerational programs.

The Association Between the Subjective Exercise Experience of Chinese Women Participating in Square Dance and Group Cohesion: The Mediating Effect of Income.

Background: Chinese square dance has become well known worldwide in recent years, and most participants are women who dance with a group in their communities. In particular, middle-aged women may have physical and mental health problems, and participating in square dance may increase women's positive subjective well-being and decrease their negative emotions, which may improve their health over the long term. In addition, participating in square dance can promote group cohesion. Our study aimed to examine the relationship between the subjective exercise experience of participating in square dance and group cohesion and whether some variables (e.g., age, education, duration, income level, and work) play a role as mediators in the association with subjective exercise experience and group cohesion. Methods: In total, 1,468 Chinese women from 31 provinces and 82 cities participated in this study by completing an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of a subjective exercise experience questionnaire and a group environment questionnaire. We analyzed the collected data and built a statistical model. Results: (a) Square dance satisfied women's physical and psychological needs partly; (b) positive well-being (PWB) was positively correlated with group cohesion, and fatigue was negatively correlated with group cohesion; and (c) the income level was a partial mediator of the relationship between group cohesion and subjective exercise experience. Conclusion: Chinese women have different motivations for participating in square dance. Because this activity can help meet women's physical and psychological needs, an increasing number of individuals worldwide participate in square dance. As women's subjective well-being increases, group cohesion increases, and vice versa. Moreover, the subjective exercise experience remains a significant predictor of group cohesion after including income level as a mediator, suggesting that the model indicates partial mediation.

Comparative Study of the Effects of Tai Chi and Square Dance on Immune Function, Physical Health, and Life Satisfaction in Urban Empty-Nest Older Adults.

Objective: To compare the effects of Tai Chi and Square dance on immune function, physical health, and life satisfaction in urban, empty-nest older adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 249 older adults (60-69 years) who were categorized into Tai Chi (n = 81), Square dance (n = 90), and control groups (n = 78). We evaluated immunoglobulin G (IgG) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity by MTT assay, physical health indices by physical fitness levels, and life satisfaction by Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA) scores. Results: Immune function, physical health, and life satisfaction in older adults in the Tai Chi and Square dance groups were significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Regarding immune function and physical health, the Tai Chi group exhibited significantly higher levels of IgG (15.41 ± 0.26 g/L vs. 11.99 ± 0.35 g/L, P < 0.05), IL-2 (4.60 ± 0.20 ng/mL vs. 4.45 ± 0.21 ng/mL, P < 0.05), and NK cell cytotoxicity (0.28 ± 0.02 vs. 0.22 ± 0.02, P < 0.05) than the square dance group, significantly lower waist-to-hip ratio (0.87 ± 0.02 vs. 0.89 ± 0.02, P < 0.05), resting pulse (78.4 ± 4.6 beats/min vs. 81.0 ± 3.1 beats/min, P < 0.05), systolic blood pressure (132.0 ± 5.2 mmHg vs. 136.2 ± 3.2 mmHg, P < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (80.0 ± 2.6 mmHg vs. 83.0 ± 2.7 mmHg, P < 0.05), and significantly higher vital capacity (2978.0 ± 263.0 mL vs. 2628.3 ± 262.8 mL, P < 0.05) and duration of one-leg standing with eyes closed (16.2 ± 1.9 s vs. 12.0 ± 1.7 s). However, there was no significant difference in LSIA scores between the Tai Chi and Square dance groups (12.05 ± 1.96 vs. 13.07 ± 1.51, P > 0.05). Further, there was a significant correlation between LSIA scores and immune function (r = 0.50, P = 0.00) and physical health (r = 0.64, P = 0.00). Conclusion: (1) Both Tai Chi and square dance practitioners had better health outcomes, compared with sedentary individuals; (2) Tai Chi practitioners had better physical health and immune function than Square dance practitioners. (3) Tai Chi and Square dance exercises had similar effects on life satisfaction among urban empty-nest older adults. Suggestions: For urban empty-nest older adults who want to have better physical health and immune function, long-term Tai Chi exercise may be a better choice; however, those who are concerned about life satisfaction can choose either Tai Chi or Square dance exercise.

Effects of nurse-led square dancing on older patients with mild cognitive impairment combined with depressive symptoms: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to verify the feasibility and preliminary effects of nurse-led square dancing designed to improve older adults' cognitive function and depressive symptoms who with MCI. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pilot study design was adopted for the present study. Screening for cognitive function was conducted among older adults (≥ 60 years old) living in two communities in Beijing who complained of memory loss. A total of 107 older patients with MCI and depressive symptoms were diagnosed after obtaining informed consent. Thirty-five patients selected from each community were included in the study as control and intervention groups, respectively. The two groups of patients received health education while the intervention group participated in a square dance intervention program led by nurses three times per week for 60 min per session over a period of three months. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Peking version (MoCA-P) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30) were used to assess the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of patients in the two groups at three time intervals; before intervention, at the end of the three-month intervention period, and over a three-month follow-up period after the end of intervention. RESULTS: Feasibility of the intervention was established with a high completion rate of 90%. Data collection for 63 out of 70 patients enrolled for the study was completed after six months. MoCA-P and GDS-30 scores of the intervention group were significantly different after the intervention when compared with the control group. A significant improvement in cognition was observed in the intervention group, and depressive symptoms decreased after intervention and follow-up when compared with the control group. During the intervention and follow-up phases, the MoCA-P score of the intervention group increased gradually with time. Furthermore, the MoCA-P and GDS-30 scores of the control group remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: This study has revealed that square dance intervention exerts a positive impact on cognitive function and depressive symptoms among older patients suffering from MCI and depressive symptoms. The results of this study support the feasibility and preliminary effects of square dancing on relieving cognitive decline and depressive symptoms. Square dancing is a recommended type of intervention that can be applied to the local Chinese population because of its simplicity, convenience, and suitability for the older adults.

Effect of Square Dance Exercise on Older Women With Mild Mental Disorders.

Many epidemiological studies have demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of exercise (EX) that can be used for adjunctive treatment in mental disorders. Despite several clinical experiments using exercise interventions, controlled studies are sparse in most disorder groups. Square dance is a popular aerobic exercise for older women in China. This study aimed to explore the effect of Chinese square dance exercise on mild mental disorders in older women. Participants included 109 older women with mild cognitive impairment from four large nursing homes. Participants were assigned either to the intervention group (n = 62) or the control group (n = 47), according to their residential nursing home. The intervention group underwent an 18-week square dance exercise, while the control group maintained their usual lifestyle. The outcomes were tested at baseline and weeks 9 and 18. The results showed that square dance exercise positively affected the results of all evaluations, especially on the participants' depressive symptoms and quality-of-life-related mental health. This study demonstrates that square dance exercise is a safe and effective approach for older women with mild cognitive impairment that benefits their long-term health.

The Effect of Chinese Square Dance Exercise on Cognitive Function in Older Women With Mild Cognitive Impairment: The Mediating Effect of Mood Status and Quality of Life.

The present study aimed to assess the effects of square dance exercise on the cognitive function and quality of life in older women with mild cognitive impairment and to investigate the mediating role of a depressed mood and reduced quality of life in the relationship between square dance exercise and cognition. The study design was a single-blind whole-group controlled trial. A total of 136 eligible participants were divided according to their nursing home into either an experimental or control group. The nursing home grouping was determined by the drawing of lots. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Quality of Life (SF-12) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) were used to assess participants at baseline, week 9, and week 18, respectively. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to compare the results at baseline with mid-test and post-test changes in cognitive function and quality of life. Maximum likelihood estimation (ML) and robust standard errors were used to perform the mediation model. The study results indicated that the experimental group (compared to the control group) had a significant improvement in cognitive function, quality of life, and mood state at baseline in the mid-test and post-test results. The results of this 18-week experiment showed that the exercise-cognition relationship was significantly mediated by a reduction in depressive symptoms (indirect effect: ß = -0.375; 95% CI = -0.864 to -0.069) and an improvement in quality of life (indirect effect: ß = -0.678; 95% CI = -1.222 to -0.290). This study revealed the effects of moderate-intensity square dance exercise on cognitive function and quality of life in older Chinese women with mild cognitive impairment and explored the potential mediating mechanisms. These findings can be used to inform the development of public health policies to promote brain health in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.

Development and Preliminary Usability Evaluation of a Somatosensory Square Dance System for Older Chinese Persons: Mixed Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: Chinese square dancing, known as guangchang wu in Chinese, is a well-known public fitness activity that provides an entertaining way for older Chinese women to improve their flexibility, lower extremity strength, overall coordination, and balance. However, injuries, noise conflicts, and lack of space are challenging aspects of this activity. Somatosensory games (SG) are an increasingly popular physical fitness approach to enhance the selective attention of older persons with indoor engagement and exercises. OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to develop a newly designed somatosensory square dance system for older Chinese people and to evaluate its usability. METHODS: This is a mixed methods study. The newly designed somatosensory square dance system is a somatic training tool that provides adequate Chinese square dance fitness training based on Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) and design guidelines established in a previous stage. The usability evaluation involved a questionnaire and interviews. Twelve participants were interviewed before and after experiencing the 15-minute dancing and learning process within the program. In addition, participants scored their experience satisfaction in psychological, physiological, and relaxation sections on a scale of 1 to 5 using a questionnaire. Qualitative content analysis and quantitative analysis of the satisfaction scores supported understanding of usability problems. RESULTS: Based on the interview results, 6/12 (50%) of the participants thought the system could help them correct their dancing movements indoors without being affected by poor outdoor weather. Among the participants, 3/12 (25%) indicated that this indoor system could enable them to enjoy fitness activities in a private space. Moreover, 3/12 participants (25%) stated that this system could promote family relationships by providing easy dancing movements. All participants were highly satisfied with the relaxation aspect of the system (4.45/5). The participants were all psychologically satisfied and interested in the novel features of the system, with an average score of 4.16/5. Physiologically, participants affirmed that the system could help them maintain good health (4.91/5). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the somatosensory square dance system can be used as an indoor fitness tool to improve older Chinese square dancers' health conditions with reasonable dance training. Noise and space conflicts can be addressed. The Laban Elated Square Dance system, which was modified by therapists based on LMA and square dance design guidelines, was highly approved by dancers because it decreased the possibility of injuries, falls, and joint damage by considering the physical and psychological difficulties of older persons. Different features will be considered in the next stage, such as greater selection of exercises and difficulty level settings. Users' social needs will also be explored in subsequent stages.

Dançarinos de quadrilha junina: um divertimento que é trabalho? / June square dance revelers: is this work or entertainment?

Nos festejos juninos de Campina Grande, PB, conhecidos como "O maior São João do mundo", as quadrilhas juninas são consideradas um grande ícone da festa. A partir de uma pesquisa realizada com dançarinos de quadrilha dessa cidade, nos ocuparemos, neste artigo, das representações sociais que são construídas sobre essa atividade. Foram realizadas, além da observação participante, vinte entrevistas semiestruturadas com dançarinos de ambos os sexos, das quadrilhas Arraial da Felicidade e Mistura Gostosa. A análise dos dados, operada pelo método hermenêutico-dialético, evidenciou que os dançarinos de quadrilhas juninas constroem diferentes representações sobre essa atividade: divertimento, lazer, prazer, responsabilidade e trabalho. Por fim, observou-se que os entrevistados constroem um discurso que enfatiza os efeitos positivos dessa atividade, o reconhecimento social, o entrosamento coletivo e a realização pessoal.

In June revels in Campina Grande/PB, "The Greatest São João in the World", square dance groups of revelers are considered the greatest hits of the revels. A research carried out among the June square dance groups in this city is the subject of this article, the social representations constructed around this activity. Besides the participating observations, twenty semi-structured interviews were carried out among dancers of both sexes, members of the groups "Arraial da Felicidade", and "Mistura Gostosa". The data analysis was performed using the hermeneutical-dialectical method and the result shows that June square dance revelers construct different representations about this activity: entertainment, leisure, pleasure, responsibility and professional work. It was concluded that the subjects interviewed make up a discourse that stresses the positive effects of this activity, such as social recognition, collective understanding and personal fulfillment.