Effects of high-frequency, short-duration, web-based low-intensity aerobic dance exercise on body composition, physical function, and physical activity levels in older adults: A randomized controlled trial—A secondary publication in Japanese of an English-language article published in BMC Geriatrics

BACKGROUND: Physical inactivity is an important issue associated with declining physical and mental function and increased health risks among older adults worldwide. Conventional exercise programs involve barriers such as accessibility and maintaining motivation. Online home-based exercise programs offer a scalable and accessible solution. This study examined the effects of a 12-week online high-frequency, short-duration, low-intensity aerobic dance exercise program on body composition, physical function, and physical activity levels in older adults. METHODS: 81 older adults were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n = 41) or a control group (n = 40). The exercise group participated in a 12-week home-based online program consisting of 20-minute low-intensity aerobic dance sessions conducted on weekday mornings. The control group maintained their usual lifestyle. Body composition, physical function, and physical activity levels were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: 71 participants (36 in the exercise group and 35 in the control group) completed the trial. The exercise group showed a significant improvement of 0.10 m/s in maximum walking speed compared with the control group, while no significant between-group differences were observed in body composition, physical activity levels, or other physical function measures. The participation rate was 94.5%, indicating high feasibility of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The 12-week online aerobic dance exercise program selectively improved walking speed, suggesting the potential to improve specific motor functions in older adults. Online interventions offer excellent accessibility and scalability and may contribute to promoting functional independence and healthy aging in older adults. Future research needs to examine long-term effects and optimize the program to maximize its effects.