Entre Passos e Cuidados: uma análise da coordenação motora de praticantes de Dança Sênior

Abstract

Objective: to assess the motor coordination levels of women practicing Senior Dance in an extension project developed in a Primary Health Care Unit, exploring the possible influences of this practice on different motor skills. Method: This quantitative study involved a sample of 37 women, aged between 40 and 87 years. The Motor Scale for the Elderly was used to assess six dimensions of motor aptitude: fine motor skills, global coordination, balance, body scheme, spatial orientation, and temporal orientation. Evaluations took place in a controlled environment, and data analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Spearman’s correlation was applied to investigate the relationship between age and motor performance. Results: The results indicated that the participants’ overall motor aptitude was classified as “Low Normal,” with a positive highlight for balance, which had the highest average (11.05), classified as “High Normal.” However, the body scheme had the lowest average (5.06), classified as “Very Low.” The analysis showed a negative correlation between advanced age and decreased overall motor aptitude, especially in the domains of global coordination and body scheme. Conclusion: Senior Dance practitioners have good balance, but the body scheme and other motor domains require more attention. When properly structured, Senior Dance can be an effective intervention to promote the health and well-being of older adults.