Practice of contemporary dance improves cognitive flexibility in aging

TLDR

Societal aging and rising dementia rates make counteracting cognitive decline a priority, and while cardiovascular and strength training improve attentional control, the effect of motor‑skill learning on attention has been largely unexplored. This study examined whether contemporary dance improvisation enhances attentional control in older adults compared with fall‑prevention and Tai Chi training. Participants performed setting, suppressing, and switching attention tasks before and after a 5.7‑month training program in one of the three interventions. Results showed that contemporary dance improved switching attention but not setting or suppressing attention, whereas fall‑prevention and Tai Chi had no effect, suggesting CD induces plasticity in flexible attention.

Abstract

As society ages and frequency of dementia increases exponentially, counteracting cognitive aging decline is a challenging issue for countries of the developed world. Previous studies have suggested that physical fitness based on cardiovascular and strength training helps to improve attentional control in normal aging. However, how motor activity based on motor-skill learning can also benefit attentional control with age has been hitherto a neglected issue. This study examined the impact of contemporary dance (CD) improvisation on attentional control of older adults, as compared to two other motor training programs, fall prevention and Tai Chi Chuan. Participants performed setting, suppressing, and switching attention tasks before and after 5.7-month training in either CD or fall prevention or Tai Chi Chuan. Results indicated that CD improved switching but not setting or suppressing attention. In contrast, neither fall prevention nor Tai Chi Chuan showed any effect. We suggest that CD improvisation works as a training for change, inducing plasticity in flexible attention.