The impact of square dancing on psychological well-being and life satisfaction among aging women.

As the most popular sport among middle-aged and elderly women in China, square dancing has both physical and psychological benefits for menopausal women. Previous studies have shown that square dance exercises can promote the physical health of older women, but there is a lack of research on the influence of middle-aged and elderly women on mental health and mediating variables. Therefore, this study starts with one of the important indicators of mental health-positive affects, aiming to explore the impact of square dance on the positive emotions of elderly women and further explore the mediating mechanisms involved. We send out The Physical Activity Rating Scale, the Positive and Negative Affect Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale to a total of 2311 middle-aged and elderly women. SPSS 23 software and PROCESS were used to perform regression analysis and establish mediation models. Modeling results show square dance exercises could positively predict positive affect through the chain mediating effect of psychological resilience and life satisfaction. The results of this study are of great significance for promoting the extensive participation of middle-aged and elderly women in sports and protecting their mental health.

Image analysis and teaching strategy optimization of folk dance training based on the deep neural network.

To improve the recognition effect of the folk dance image recognition model and put forward new suggestions for teachers' teaching strategies, this study introduces a Deep Neural Network (DNN) to optimize the folk dance training image recognition model. Moreover, a corresponding teaching strategy optimization scheme is proposed according to the experimental results. Firstly, the image preprocessing and feature extraction of DNN are optimized. Secondly, classification and target detection models are established to analyze the folk dance training images, and the C-dance dataset is used for experiments. Finally, the results are compared with those of the Naive Bayes classifier, K-nearest neighbor, decision tree classifier, support vector machine, and logistic regression models. The results of this study provide new suggestions for teaching strategies. The research results indicate that the optimized classification model shows a significant improvement in classification accuracy across various aspects such as action complexity, dance types, movement speed, dance styles, body dynamics, and rhythm. The accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores have increased by approximately 14.7, 11.8, 13.2, and 17.4%, respectively. In the study of factors such as different training images, changes in perspective, lighting conditions, and noise interference, the optimized model demonstrates a substantial enhancement in recognition accuracy and robustness. These findings suggest that, compared to traditional models, the optimized model performs better in identifying various dances and movements, enhancing the accuracy and stability of classification. Based on the experimental results, strategies for optimizing the real-time feedback and assessment mechanism in folk dance teaching, as well as the design of personalized learning paths, are proposed. Therefore, this study holds the potential to be applied in the field of folk dance, promoting the development and innovation of folk dance education.

Moving together - benefits of an online dance program on physical and mental health for older women: an exploratory mixed-method study.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies show that in-person dance training is a beneficial form of physical activity that involves mental, social, and physical dimensions. This exploratory study investigated the benefits of a 12-week online dance training intervention on mental and physical health outcomes for older women. METHODS: A convergent parallel mixed-method design was used. Forty-five older adults (74.0 ± 5.3 yrs old, 44 women) were recruited through advertisements at activity and rehabilitation centers in the North Denmark region. The intervention consisted of two weekly 60-min classes of improvisation and salsa delivered online through video call applications. Changes in physical health outcomes (body mass and composition, resting blood pressure, Senior Fitness Test battery) and self-rated health and wellbeing (health-related quality of life (HRQOL), feelings of loneliness) were assessed prior to and after 12 weeks of dancing. Focus group interviews were conducted post-intervention to further explore the benefits as well as the participant's experience of the intervention. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted. RESULTS: Thirty-two participants (all women) completed the study. Significant improvements in fitness were found for the number of arm curls performed (baseline: 12.3 ± 3.0; post-intervention: 13.7 ± 3.0, P = 0.005), 2-min step test performance (baseline: 66.5 ± 20.0 reps.; post-intervention: 73.8 ± 22.6 reps., P = 0.016), and chair sit-and-reach (baseline: 0.4 ± 11.3 cm; post-intervention: 5.5 ± 10.1 cm, P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in body mass from baseline to post-intervention (P < 0.015). The themes from the focus groups included (1) Participation, (2) Challenges, (3) Progression, (4) Motivation, (5) Perceived health and wellbeing, and (6) Online dance instruction. No significant changes were reported in HRQOL and loneliness from the quantitative data, although the qualitative data did reveal improved feelings of physical health and wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention improved several aspects of fitness in older women and improved the participants' perceptions of their own physical abilities and wellbeing. While most participants found the online intervention enjoyable, several participants missed the feedback from the instructors that naturally occurs with in-person instruction.

Audiovisual integration of rhythm in musicians and dancers.

Music training is associated with better beat processing in the auditory modality. However, it is unknown how rhythmic training that emphasizes visual rhythms, such as dance training, might affect beat processing, nor whether training effects in general are modality specific. Here we examined how music and dance training interacted with modality during audiovisual integration and synchronization to auditory and visual isochronous sequences. In two experiments, musicians, dancers, and controls completed an audiovisual integration task and an audiovisual target-distractor synchronization task using dynamic visual stimuli (a bouncing figure). The groups performed similarly on the audiovisual integration tasks (Experiments 1 and 2). However, in the finger-tapping synchronization task (Experiment 1), musicians were more influenced by auditory distractors when synchronizing to visual sequences, while dancers were more influenced by visual distractors when synchronizing to auditory sequences. When participants synchronized with whole-body movements instead of finger-tapping (Experiment 2), all groups were more influenced by the visual distractor than the auditory distractor. Taken together, this study highlights how training is associated with audiovisual processing, and how different types of visual rhythmic stimuli and different movements alter beat perception and production outcome measures. Implications for the modality appropriateness hypothesis are discussed.

Dancing Out of Step: A Case of Tuberculous Meningitis Presenting as Childhood Chorea.

Background: Acute to subacute pediatric movement disorders require prompt diagnosis to identify potentially treatable diseases. Case Report: We present a 6-year-old male with a three-week history of generalized chorea transitioning to predominantly right-sided hemichorea and then to left hemiplegia. Discussion: We review the mechanisms in tuberculous meningitis underlying his movement abnormalities.

Effectiveness of dance movement therapy and dance movement interventions on cancer patients' health-related outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This review examined the effectiveness of using dance movement therapy (DMT) and dance movement interventions (DMIs) with cancer and palliative care patients. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Six databases were searched from inception to July 9, 2022, without limits on year or age. Searching was updated on July 10, 2023. The risk of bias was assessed by the Cochrane (RoB 2) and ROBINS-I tools. Meta-analyses were conducted to pool estimates of the effects of DMT and DMI on patients' health-related outcomes. A narrative synthesis of outcomes was performed where meta-analysis was not appropriate. RESULTS: Among a total of 16 studies included in this review, nine were randomized controlled trials and seven were non-randomized trials, with a total of 893 participants. Only six of these studies were fully or partially described as true DMTs (some with less clarity than others), whereas the majority (n = 10) were DMIs with unclear therapeutic alignment. Most studies focused on female patients with breast cancer. Cancer patients undergoing palliative care received little attention. The overall risk of bias from the evaluated studies was high. Meta-analysis of two trials revealed that DMTs had no effect on QOL in cancer patients (SMD - 0.09, 95% CI - 0.21-0.40, P = 0.54), while narrative analysis and non-randomized trials showed no overall effect of DMTs on anxiety, depression, body image, self-esteem, or sleep disturbance but significant positive effects on perceived stress, pain severity, and pain interference. DMIs had significant positive effects on cancer patients' depression (SMD - 0.53, 95% CI - 0.93 to - 0.14, P = 0.008) and fatigue (SMD - 0.42, 95% CI - 0.70 to - 0.14, P = 0.003). DMI trials synthesized narratively showed an effect on patients' body image, self-esteem, physical function, right and left handgrip strength, life satisfaction, and the mental component of QOL. CONCLUSION: Both DMT and DMIs had promising effects on several health outcomes, but results were inconsistent, and the evidence was weak. The reviewed studies' low evidence quality and small sample sizes affected the findings' robustness and reliability. Large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials with sufficient sample sizes, and clear and veracious DMT and DMI protocols and data are required to provide more credible research evidence and influence practice.

Clinical outcomes and return to dance after total hip arthroplasty or hip resurfacing in professional dancers.

Aims: Professional dancers represent a unique patient population in the setting of hip arthroplasty, given the high degree of hip strength and mobility required by their profession. We sought to determine the clinical outcomes and ability to return to professional dance after total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA). Methods: Active professional dancers who underwent primary THA or HRA at a single institution with minimum one-year follow-up were included in the study. Primary outcomes included the rate of return to professional dance, three patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Hip disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement (HOOS-JR), and Lower Extremity Activity Scale (LEAS)), and postoperative complications. Results: A total of 49 hips in 39 patients (mean age 56 years (SD 13); 80% female (n = 39)) were included. Mean follow-up was 4.9 years (SD 5.1). Of these 49 hips, 37 THAs and 12 HRAs were performed. In all, 96% of hips returned to professional dance activities postoperatively. With regard to PROMs, there were statistically significant improvements in mHHS, HOOS-JR, and LEAS from baseline to ≥ one year postoperatively. There were complications in 7/49 hips postoperatively (14%), five of which required revision surgery (10%). There were no revisions for instability after the index procedure. Two complications (5.4%) occurred in hips that underwent THA compared with five (42%) after HRA (p = 0.007), though the difference by procedure was not significantly different when including only contemporary implant designs (p = 0.334). Conclusion: Active professional dancers experienced significant improvements in functional outcome scores after THA or HRA, with a 96% rate of return to professional dance. However, the revision rate at short- to mid-term follow-up highlights the challenges of performing hip arthroplasty in this demanding patient population. Further investigation is required to determine the results of THA versus HRA using contemporary implant designs in these patients.

The Effect of the Lateral First Metatarsal Head Shape on Hallux Valgus in Forced Turnout in Pre-Pointe Female Ballet Dancers: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: A rounded lateral first metatarsal head shape is associated with higher rates of hallux abducto valgus recurrence following corrective surgery; however, the effect of the lateral first metatarsal head shape on the hallux abduction angle (HAA) has not yet been explored in a nonpathologic, pre-pointe ballet dancer population. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the lateral first metatarsal head shape on the HAA when pre-pointe female dancers force their turnout. METHODS: Seventeen female, pre-pointe ballet students (mean age, 10.8 ± 0.95 years) participated in this study. Fluoroscopic images of each dancer's dominant foot were taken, and the lateral first metatarsal head shape was classified visually. Each dancer performed three consecutive stances of natural double-leg upright posture: both functional and forced turnout. HAAs were obtained by marking medial bony landmarks on paper and were compared to photographic measurements. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between the round and angular lateral first metatarsal head shape for the change in HAA from natural double-leg upright posture to forced turnout. Hallux abduction angle significantly increased by 4.6° (P < .001) in forced turnout compared to the natural double-leg upright posture for the photographic method, whereas the paper method demonstrated an increase of 2.6° (P = .007). No statistical differences were found between the paper and photographic methods in measuring the HAA for all stances. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest no association between the HAA and lateral first metatarsal head shape; however, HAA does increase when a dancer assumes forced turnout. The paper method demonstrated similar reliability to the photographic method and shows the potential for future use as a clinical tool in assessing hallux abducto valgus.

Findings from a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled feasibility trial of a music and dance programme for community dwelling older adults.

INTRODUCTION: Functional decline, chronic illness, reduced quality of life and increased healthcare utilisation are common in older adults. Evidence suggests music and dance can support healthy ageing in older adults. This study explored the feasibility, potential for effect and cost effectiveness of the Music and Movement for Health (MMH) programme among community-dwelling older adults using a pragmatic cluster-randomised, controlled feasibility trial design. METHODS: Community-dwelling adults aged 65 years or older were recruited to seven clusters in the Mid-West region of Ireland. Clusters were block randomised to either the MMH intervention or control. Primary feasibility outcomes included recruitment, retention, adherence, fidelity, and safety. Secondary outcomes measured physical activity, physical and cognitive performance, and psychosocial well-being, along with healthcare utilisation were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. RESULTS: The study successfully met feasibility targets, with recruitment (n = 100), retention (91 %), adherence (71 %), data completeness (92 %) and intervention fidelity (21 out of 24) all meeting predetermined criteria. Both groups exhibited an increase in self-reported physical activity and improved physical function. Participants in the intervention group scored consistently better in psychosocial measures compared to the control group at follow-up. The health economic analysis confirmed the feasibility of the methodology employed and points to the potential cost-effectiveness of the MMH relative to the control or no organised programme. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: The MMH intervention and study design were found to be feasible and acceptable with important findings to inform future evaluation of the clinical and cost-effectiveness of a definitive randomised controlled trial.

Prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries in modern and contemporary dancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: A large number of studies have found that the musculoskeletal injury of modern and contemporary dancers has a high incidence. Previous publications have indicated that there are many potential factors that are related to dancing injury; however, they have not been proven, and even some data are conflicting in different research. Results: The search yielded 18 prospective studies reporting on professional and pre-professional modern or contemporary dancers from companies and schools. The prevalence of modern and contemporary dancers was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.74~0.90). The injury proportion of trauma, overuse, ankle and foot, lower extremity, joint and ligaments, muscle and tendons, and time-loss were 0.40, 0.26, 0.49, 0.34, 0.33, and 0.29 in the total number of injuries. There was no evidence of a significant difference in sex, age, and education program. The factors of BMI and injury history achieved statistical significance, and the p-values were less than 0.01. Conclusion: Based on the results of this article, BMI and injury history may be risk factors for injury in contemporary and modern dancers. Modern and contemporary dancers have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries. Lower extremity injuries are the most common in the whole body, with injuries to the foot and ankle being more frequent. The mechanism of injury is mostly overuse injury, and the injured tissues are mostly muscle tendons and joint ligaments.

Increases in the use of drug testing kits among nightclub and festival attendees in New York City who use ecstasy, 2017-2022.

INTRODUCTION: Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) is a drug commonly used by people who attend electronic dance music (EDM) events at nightclubs and dance festivals. Drug checking has gained popularity in recent years to test for adulterants, but epidemiology studies are needed to estimate potential shifts in prevalence of drug checking to further inform harm reduction efforts. METHODS: Adults entering randomly selected EDM events in New York City were surveyed in 2017 and 2022. Those reporting past-year ecstasy use were asked if they tested their ecstasy in the past year using a drug testing kit and whether they found out or suspected their ecstasy contained other drugs. We compared estimates between 2017 and 2022. RESULTS: In 2017, an estimated 23.1% had tested their ecstasy, and this estimate increased to 43.1% in 2022 (86.6% increase, p = 0.006). Among those who tested their ecstasy, in 2017, 31.2% always tested their drug, and this increased to 60.6% in 2022 (94.2% increase, p = 0.026). In 2017, 59.6% of those who tested their ecstasy reported finding out or suspecting their drug was adulterated, which decreased to 18.4% in 2022 (69.1% decrease, p < 0.001). Suspected methamphetamine adulteration in particular decreased, from 21.9% in 2017 to 3.6% in 2022 (83.6% decrease, p = 0.007). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The use of drug testing kits has increased among EDM event attendees who use ecstasy and, at the same time, among those who had tested their ecstasy, suspected adulteration has decreased. Continued interest in understanding ecstasy contents among this population suggests the need for formal drug checking services.

Iranian classical dance as a subject for empirical research: An elusive genre.

Dance has entered mainstream empirical research: dance as an experimental stimulus, and dancers as movement experts. Informed by several sources, including primary sources (original, historical documents, and oral reports, such as interviews with practitioners and academic scholars of Iranian dance genres) and secondary sources (research literature), we describe what we label "Iranian classical dance" within this paper as an important resource for empirical research, not only in humanities scholarship but also, and importantly, for empirical aesthetics, emotion psychology, cross-cultural psychology, and affective neuroscience. For this purpose, we (1) describe the aesthetics, characteristics, and history of Iranian classical dance; (2) outline issues of definition and systematization; and (3) give an overview of the cultural complexities and sociopolitical issues regarding Iranian classical dance in the past 40 years, which have shaped its current form. After the political revolution of 1979 (Iranian solar calendar year: 1358), dance in Iran-both as everyday practice and as a cultural heritage-was first forbidden, and now remains heavily restricted. International, interdisciplinary research teams can contribute to safeguarding Iranian classical dance in the future by firmly enshrining it into empirical research on human dance. We outline empirical research perspectives on Iranian classical dance, dataset resources, and expert communities.

Analysis of the centre of pressure in bipedal stance among individuals with and without intellectual disabilities, individuals with Down syndrome and dancers with Down syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs) often present deficiencies in motor, balance and postural control. On the other hand, the practice of physical activity and dance usually reduces these deficiencies. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to compare the control of the centre of pressure (COP) in people with Down syndrome (DS) or other causes of ID in relation to people without disabilities and to observe the influence of vision and the practice of dance. METHODS: This cross-sectional study analyses the COP in a static standing position with open and closed eyes in four study groups. A total of 273 people were recruited (80 adults without ID, 46 adults with DS, 120 adults with other causes of ID and 27 dancers with DS). RESULTS: A greater area of oscillation and path of the COP was observed in the participants with ID compared with the participants without ID, especially in the sway area of the COP. The oscillation speed of the COP was also higher. When analysing the displacement of the COP, anteroposterior and mediolateral components, there were also differences, except when comparing the group of dancers with DS with respect to the group without ID. The visual condition only influenced the group of participants without disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study show that there is a less efficient static postural control in people with ID, as greater displacements were observed in the COP of the participants with ID. The differences in some specific variables that analyse the displacement of the COP were smaller when comparing the group of dancers with DS and the individuals without ID.

Laterality in Body Coordination of Professional and Amateur Ballet Dancers While Performing a Single Pirouette with Pointe Shoes.

OBJECTIVE: Imbalances in muscle strength coordination owing to lateral preference may be a risk factor for injury in dancers. Postural control is essential for the basic turn in ballet (pirouette), owing to its lateral asymmetry. Since dance with pointe shoes demands greater range of motion, muscle strength, and balance control compared to dancing with flat shoes, pointe shoes may further add to the risk and cause an imbalance between the preferred and non-preferred legs during pirouette. In this study, we examined lateral differences in professional and experienced amateur ballet dancers during single pirouettes with pointe shoes to understand the multiple elements involved in lateral balance control in pirouettes. METHODS: Eight female professionals and seven female amateur ballet dancers performed single pirouettes in pointe shoes on both the preferred and non-preferred sides. To understand the body coordination laterality in single pirouettes, statistical parametric mapping was performed for the trunk, hip, knee, ankle angle, and center of mass-center of pressure inclination angle timeframe data during the pirouette in three phases: turn with double-leg (Phase 1), single-leg (Phase 2), and finish turning with a single-leg (Phase 3). In addition, the hop-up time was calculated as the percentage when the foot is not in contact with the ground in Phases 2 and 3. RESULTS: There were no lateral differences in trunk and lower limb angles in either group. Professional dancers showed slightly more inclination towards the stance leg during left rotation at the beginning of the movement (Phase 1) with longer hop-up time in Phase 2, whereas amateur dancers tended to tilt forward during the left turn (Phases 1 and 2) with longer hop-up time in Phase 3. CONCLUSION: It is notable that the COP-COM inclination angle was adjusted by hop-up and it caused the lateral differences in both professional and amateur dancers during a single pirouette with pointe shoes. This study highlights elements to consider in laterality when monitoring pirouette performance with pointe shoes.

One-Year Injury History and Safe Dance Practices Among Female Highland Dancers in Canada.

AIMS: Over 8,650 Highland dancers registered to compete in Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing events worldwide in 2019. While the burden of dance-related injuries is high among dancers, there are few studies examining Highland dance. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of self-reported 1-year injury history and safe dance practices among female Highland dancers. METHODS: Sixty-five female Canadian Highland dancers (median age 18; range 14-47) completed an anonymous online survey at the beginning of the 2019 championship season. Demographics (i.e., age, body mass index), exposure (e.g., months/year dancing), safe dance practices (e.g., environmental, physical, psychological), and 1-year injury history (i.e., yes/no) were self-reported. Three definitions of dance-related injury were used: 1) time-loss (missed ≥1 class, practice, performance, and/or competition); 2) medical attention (requiring professional medical care); and 3) any physical complaint that affected full participation. RESULTS: Most participants were training at the elite standard/premier level (86%, 95%CI 75-93) and for ≥8 months/year (83%, 95%CI 75-93). The proportion of dancers reporting at least one physical complaint in the previous 1 year was 71% (95%CI 58-81). Sixty percent (95%CI 47-71) of dancers reported ≥1 medical attention and/or time-loss injury. All participants reported warming up regularly, with 59% (95%CI 46-70) participating in regular cool-downs. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of 1-year injury history among female Highland dancers is high. Education on the benefits of safe dance practice for Highland dancers may be useful. Prospective cohort studies are needed to understand the dynamic nature of dance injuries across a full competitive season.

Dance Exergames for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis With Narrative Synthesis.

BACKGROUND: A systematic review and meta-analysis with narrative synthesis was conducted to evaluate the impact of dance exergaming on older adults' health-related outcomes and its feasibility, usability, and safety. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to December 7, 2023. Interventional studies using immersive or nonimmersive virtual reality platforms conducted on older adults ≥60 years old were eligible. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random effects model by pooling mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences. Outcomes were narratively synthesized when meta-analysis was not possible. RESULTS: Forty-three articles from 37 studies were included (n = 1 139 participants at baseline). Postintervention, dynamic balance measured using Berg Balance Scale (pooled MD = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.73-3.57, p < .0001), Timed-Up-and-Go times (pooled MD = -1.04, 95% CI: -2.06 to -0.03, p = .04), choice stepping reaction time (pooled MD = -92.48, 95% CI: -167.30 to -17.67, p = .02), and movement time (pooled MD = -50.33, 95% CI: -83.34 to -17.33, p = .003) were significantly better in the experimental group compared to the control group. Adherence ranged from 76.5% to 100%, whereas attrition ranged from 9.1% to 31.9%. Most participants completed the intervention with no or minimal adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Dance exergames are effective, feasible, usable, and safe for older adults. Further research is needed as the findings were limited by small sample sizes. Many studies could not be included in the meta-analysis as outcomes were too varied.

Experiences of older adults participating in dance exergames: A systematic review and meta-synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Interventions to encourage adequate physical activity amongst older adults have had limited long-term success. Dancing and exergames, two beneficial and enjoyable physical activities for older adults, may make regular exercise more interesting and effective. Dance exergames are physical exercises that integrate sensory, cognitive, psychological, and physical functions by requiring users to interact with game scenarios through deliberate body motions and receive real-time feedback. They provide an inherently enjoyable gaming and workout experience, which may boost exercise adherence. However, little is known about older adults' experiences with dance exergames. OBJECTIVE: To synthesise the qualitative experiences of older adults participating in dance exergames. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-synthesis. METHODS: Dance exergame studies (peer-reviewed and grey literature) involving older adults in any setting published in English from inception to 17 August 2023 were included. Qualitative or mixed-method studies must use immersive or non-immersive virtual-reality platforms. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global, Google Scholar, and reference lists of relevant studies and reviews were searched for eligible studies. The search strategy for Scopus was: (TITLE-ABS-KEY (danc*) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY (exergames OR exergame OR video AND games OR virtual AND reality) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY (older AND adults OR elderly OR seniors OR geriatrics)). Thematic synthesis by Thomas and Harden was used for meta-synthesis. RESULTS: Eleven studies (n = 200 older adults) were included. Three themes and 14 subthemes were synthesised: 1) Dance exergames as dual-task training for physical, cognitive, and psychological well-being, 2) Concerns on usability issues, and 3) Possible enhancements of dance exergames. Older adults recognised that dance exergames could improve their physical, cognitive, and psychological well-being. Existing dance exergame systems had several usability issues. For example, some older adults were unfamiliar with using new technology and had trouble in navigating the game systems. The older adults also provided various suggestions for adaptation to their age group, such as ensuring a variety of dances, difficulty levels suited for older adults' cultural backgrounds, and physical and cognitive capabilities. CONCLUSIONS: Dance exergames may be an attractive way to encourage older adults to exercise, but appropriate modifications are needed. When designing/selecting dance exergames for older persons, researchers, healthcare professionals, and senior care centres should consider using exergames that have simple designs, varied dances that are locally adapted, and appeal to a large proportion of older adults. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023395709.