Functional Fitness DeteriorationNCT07170241
Health and Gait Outcomes in Elderly Dancers Compared to Inactive Adults
An observational study of Functional Fitness Deterioration and Gait Balance, run by Dr. Kovács Éva at 1 site in Hungary.
Trial summary
The aim of this observational study is to assess functional fitness and spatial-temporal gait parameters in individuals aged 65 years and over who regularly participate in senior dance classes. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Functional Fitness Deterioration, Gait Balance
- How many people
- 180 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHungary
- Study dates
- 12 Sep 2025to 22 Apr 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 years and older
- All sexes
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: 1. Senior dancers: individuals (aged 65 years or over) who respond to the study advertisement and have been regularly participating in senior dance classes at least once a week for a minimum of three consecutive months 2. Inactive individuals: older adults (aged 65 years or over; and 3. Middle-aged adults: (25-40 years) who have not participated in any physical activity in the past 6 months
Who may be able to join
- aged 25-40 years (for middle-aged group); aged 65 years or over (for older people group);
- participating in senior dance class at least once a week for at least three months (for dancing group); not participated in any physical activity in the previous 6 months
- being able to walk at least 6 meters
Who cannot join
- having neurological diseases (hemiplegia, Parkinson's disease, neuropathy affecting the lower limbs)
- using a walking aid
- suffering from injury affecting the lower limbs occurred in the past six months
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparative Analysis of Aerobic Capacity, Muscle Strength, Flexibility, Postural Control, Mental Well-being, and Gait Parameters in Elderly Dancers and Inactive Adults
The aim of this observational study is to assess functional fitness and spatial-temporal gait parameters in individuals aged 65 years and over who regularly participate in senior dance classes. These outcomes will be compared with those of two inactive control groups: aged-matched older adults and inactive middle-aged individuals (aged 25-40 years) who have not engaged in any structured physical activity in the past six months. Furthermore, our study aimed to assess the correlation between the duration of participation in senior dance and the measured variables including physical fitness, gait characteristics, and mental well-being.
Read the detailed description
Healthy life expectancy is significantly influenced by the physical, cognitive, and mental condition of older people; by factors that generally decline with age. However, this decline can be delayed, slowed or even partially reversed through regular physical activity. Among various forms of exercise, dancing is one of the most enjoyable and socially engaging options. Numerous studies have explored its benefits, with several positive effects scientifically proven. Our study aimes to assess the functional fitness, mental well-being and spatial-temporal parameters of gait in older adults (aged 65 and over) who regularly participate in senior dance classes. These outcomes will be compared to those of two inactive control groups (i. e. inactive elderly adults aged 65 years or older and inactive middle-aged adults (aged 25-40 years). The dancer group is further divided into two subcategories. Dance-only group with participants who exclusively engage in senior dancing for at least once a week for a minimum of three month or multi-activity individuals who participate in senior dancing as well as other physical activities for seniors (e. g., Nordic walking, senior sports programs). The inactive control group includes subjects who have not engaged in any structured physical activity in the past 6 months. They are categorized based on their age into older group (aged 65 years or over) or middle-aged group (aged 25-40 years).
Each participant will undergo a one-time baseline assessment immediately after providing informed consent. The following parameters will be measured: body composition, grip-strength, functional lower limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, upper body flexibility, aerobic endurance, mental well-being, and spatial and temporal parameters.
The main Research Questions:
- Are there significant differences in functional fitness, mental well-being or spatial-temporal gait parameters between senior dancers and inactive individuals?
- Is there a correlation between the duration of participation in senior dance and improvements in functional fitness, mental well-being or spatial-temporal gait parameters?
- Conditions
- Functional Fitness Deterioration, Gait Balance
- Keywords
- senior dance, functional fitness, spatiotemporal gait parameters
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Senior dancer | Participants aged 65 years or over who engage exclusively in senior dancing at least once a week for a minimum of three months | |
| Senior dancer + other activities | Participants aged 65 years or over who participate in senior dancing as well as other forms of geriatric physical activity (for example Nordic walking, geriatric sports programs) in addition to senior dancing as regular activity. | |
| Inactive elderly | Participants who (aged 65 years or over) who have not participated in any physical activity in the previous 6 months | |
| Inactive middle-aged | Participants who (aged 25-40 years) who have not participated in any (structured) physical activity within the past 6 months |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Functional mobility
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.
Measured: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Spatial and temporal parameters of gait
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.
Measured: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Secondary outcomes (7)
Body composition
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.
Measured: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Grip-strength
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.
Measured: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Functional lower limb muscle strength
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.
Measured: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Lower body flexibility
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.
Measured: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Upper-body flexibility
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).
Measured: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Aerobic endurance
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.
Measured: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Mental well-being
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.
Measured: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted12 Sep 2025
- Study start12 Sep 2025
- Primary completion22 Apr 2026
- Study completion22 Apr 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Functional Fitness DeteriorationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 180 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Dr. Kovács Éva
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Dr. Kovács Éva, Semmelweis University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07170241
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- SE RKEB: 135/2025
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 5 Sep 2025
- Last updated
- 23 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Lako B, Simon A, Kubik AZ, Gyombolai Z, Kovacs E. Association of Senior Dance Participation with Mental Well-Being and Functional Performance in Older Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med. 2026 Oct 4;15(19):7687. doi: 10.3390/jcm15197687.
PubMed 42882148
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 23 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Analysis of Aerobic Capacity, Muscle Strength, Flexibility, Postural Control, Mental Well-being, and Gait Parameters in Elderly Dancers and Inactive Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07170241
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- SE RKEB: 135/2025
- Conditions
- Functional Fitness Deterioration, Gait Balance
- Keywords
- senior dance, functional fitness, spatiotemporal gait parameters
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 180 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Dr. Kovács ÉvaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 12 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 22 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 22 Apr 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 12 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The aim of this observational study is to assess functional fitness and spatial-temporal gait parameters in individuals aged 65 years and over who regularly participate in senior dance classes. These outcomes will be compared with those of two inactive control groups: aged-matched older adults and inactive middle-aged individuals (aged 25-40 years) who have not engaged in any structured physical activity in the past six months. Furthermore, our study aimed to assess the correlation between the duration of participation in senior dance and the measured variables including physical fitness, gait characteristics, and mental well-being.
Detailed description
Healthy life expectancy is significantly influenced by the physical, cognitive, and mental condition of older people; by factors that generally decline with age. However, this decline can be delayed, slowed or even partially reversed through regular physical activity. Among various forms of exercise, dancing is one of the most enjoyable and socially engaging options. Numerous studies have explored its benefits, with several positive effects scientifically proven. Our study aimes to assess the functional fitness, mental well-being and spatial-temporal parameters of gait in older adults (aged 65 and over) who regularly participate in senior dance classes. These outcomes will be compared to those of two inactive control groups (i. e. inactive elderly adults aged 65 years or older and inactive middle-aged adults (aged 25-40 years). The dancer group is further divided into two subcategories. Dance-only group with participants who exclusively engage in senior dancing for at least once a week for a minimum of three month or multi-activity individuals who participate in senior dancing as well as other physical activities for seniors (e. g., Nordic walking, senior sports programs). The inactive control group includes subjects who have not engaged in any structured physical activity in the past 6 months. They are categorized based on their age into older group (aged 65 years or over) or middle-aged group (aged 25-40 years).
Each participant will undergo a one-time baseline assessment immediately after providing informed consent. The following parameters will be measured: body composition, grip-strength, functional lower limb muscle strength, lower body flexibility, upper body flexibility, aerobic endurance, mental well-being, and spatial and temporal parameters.
The main Research Questions:
- Are there significant differences in functional fitness, mental well-being or spatial-temporal gait parameters between senior dancers and inactive individuals?
- Is there a correlation between the duration of participation in senior dance and improvements in functional fitness, mental well-being or spatial-temporal gait parameters?
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Senior dancer | – | –Participants aged 65 years or over who engage exclusively in senior dancing at least once a week for a minimum of three months |
| Senior dancer + other activities | – | –Participants aged 65 years or over who participate in senior dancing as well as other forms of geriatric physical activity (for example Nordic walking, geriatric sports programs) in addition to senior dancing as regular activity. |
| Inactive elderly | – | –Participants who (aged 65 years or over) who have not participated in any physical activity in the previous 6 months |
| Inactive middle-aged | – | –Participants who (aged 25-40 years) who have not participated in any (structured) physical activity within the past 6 months |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- 1. Senior dancers: individuals (aged 65 years or over) who respond to the study advertisement and have been regularly participating in senior dance classes at least once a week for a minimum of three consecutive months 2. Inactive individuals: older adults (aged 65 years or over; and 3. Middle-aged adults: (25-40 years) who have not participated in any physical activity in the past 6 months
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- aged 25-40 years (for middle-aged group); aged 65 years or over (for older people group);
- participating in senior dance class at least once a week for at least three months (for dancing group); not participated in any physical activity in the previous 6 months
- being able to walk at least 6 meters
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- having neurological diseases (hemiplegia, Parkinson's disease, neuropathy affecting the lower limbs)
- using a walking aid
- suffering from injury affecting the lower limbs occurred in the past six months
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Functional mobility
Time frame: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
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
Time frame: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
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.
7 secondary outcomes
Body composition
Time frame: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Grip-strength
Time frame: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Functional lower limb muscle strength
Time frame: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Lower body flexibility
Time frame: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Upper-body flexibility
Time frame: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Aerobic endurance
Time frame: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Mental well-being
Time frame: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 23 Apr 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42882148Lako B, Simon A, Kubik AZ, Gyombolai Z, Kovacs E. Association of Senior Dance Participation with Mental Well-Being and Functional Performance in Older Women: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med. 2026 Oct 4;15(19):7687. doi: 10.3390/jcm15197687.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Functional Fitness Deterioration and Gait Balance, run by Dr. Kovács Éva at 1 site in Hungary.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 23 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Hungary. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Functional mobility (time frame: At baseline (immediately after informed consent)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07170241, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 23 Apr 2026.