This study aims to evaluate the effects of a structured line dance program on cognitive function, physical performance, and quality of life in older women with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). A total of 75 participants aged 60-75 with a diagnosis of MCI will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a high-beat-per-minute (HBLD) line dance group, a low-beat-per-minute (LBLD) line dance group, or a control group receiving no intervention. The intervention will last for 12 weeks, with sessions held three times per week for 60 minutes. Outcome measures include the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), physical function tests, and a quality of life questionnaire. The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of non-pharmacological, rhythm-based exercise interventions for improving cognitive and physical health in older adults with cognitive decline.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
75
A structured aerobic dance program set to music with tempos of 130-140 BPM, designed to improve cognitive and physical function in older adults with MCI.
A structured aerobic dance program set to music with tempos of 90-100 BPM, using the same choreography but slower rhythm and reduced rest intervals.
No structured intervention will be provided. Participants will continue their routine lifestyle.
Nankang District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
MoCA
Cognitive function will be assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a validated screening tool for detecting mild cognitive impairment. Scores range from 0 to 30, with higher scores indicating better cognitive performance.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
SMS（Sensorimotor Synchronization）
This study used ELAN software (version 6.9) to analyze temporal asynchrony between participants' dance movements and rhythmic cues across four 8-beat sequences (32 beats total). Movement and rhythm layers were time-annotated to assess synchronization accuracy and stability. Data were exported to Excel for analysis. Mean asynchrony indicated synchronization accuracy (higher values = poorer accuracy), while standard deviation reflected synchronization stability (higher values = greater variability)
Time frame: Baseline and after 12-week intervention
BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)
Serum levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) will be measured to assess neuroplasticity-related changes induced by the intervention. Blood samples will be collected, processed, and analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Higher BDNF concentrations are associated with improved synaptic function and cognitive performance.
Time frame: Baseline and after 12-week intervention
TUG-cog(Timed Up and Go-Cognitive)
The TUG-cog test will be used to assess dual-task mobility and executive function. Participants are asked to complete the standard Timed Up and Go task while simultaneously performing a cognitive task, such as serial subtraction. The time taken to complete the task is recorded. Longer completion times reflect greater dual-task interference and reduced cognitive-motor integration.
Time frame: Baseline and after 12-week intervention
Senior Fitness Test
The Senior Fitness Test (SFT) evaluates physical fitness in older adults across six domains: lower-body strength (30-second chair stand), upper-body strength (30-second arm curl), lower-body flexibility (chair sit-and-reach), upper-body flexibility (back scratch), agility and dynamic balance (8-foot up-and-go), and aerobic endurance (2-minute step test). Higher performance indicates better functional fitness and physical independence.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
Short Physical Performance Battery
The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a standardized assessment tool used to evaluate lower-extremity physical function in older adults. It consists of three components: balance tests (side-by-side, semi-tandem, and tandem stance), a 4-meter walk test to assess gait speed, and five repeated chair stands to evaluate lower-body strength. The total score ranges from 0 to 12, with higher scores indicating better physical performance and mobility.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
Grip Strength
Grip strength will be measured using a digital hand dynamometer (Model EH101, ANTA, Guangdong, China). Participants will stand upright with their arms naturally extended at an angle of approximately 15°-30° from the trunk and will squeeze the device with maximum force for a few seconds. Each hand will be tested twice, and the highest value from either hand will be used for analysis.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
Short Form-36 Health Survey
The SF-36 Health Survey is a widely used instrument for evaluating health-related quality of life. It consists of 36 items assessing eight domains: physical functioning, role limitations due to physical and emotional problems, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health. Higher scores indicate better perceived health status.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
Depression
Depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), a validated screening tool for older adults. The scale consists of 15 yes/no questions, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
Blood glucose
asting blood glucose levels will be measured using standard venous blood sampling procedures. The values will be expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Elevated blood glucose levels may indicate impaired glucose metabolism or risk of diabetes.
Time frame: Baseline and 12 weeks post-intervention
Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is a 14-item performance-based measure that assesses static and dynamic balance abilities in older adults. Each item is scored on a 5-point scale ranging from 0 to 4, with a maximum total score of 56. Higher scores indicate better balance ability and lower risk of falling. The BBS is widely used in clinical and research settings to evaluate postural control and balance improvements following intervention.
Time frame: Baseline and after 12-week intervention
Blood pressure
Blood pressure will be measured using a calibrated electronic sphygmomanometer. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure will be recorded in a seated position after at least 5 minutes of rest. Measurements will be taken twice, and the average will be used for analysis. Blood pressure is an important indicator of cardiovascular health and may be affected by exercise interventions.
Time frame: Baseline and after 12-week intervention
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