The acute effect of two intensities of tango (low and moderate) on mood states and perceived exertion in older adults

Abstract

 The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to compare the acute effect of two intensities of tango (low and moderate) on mood and perceived exertion in older adults. Two groups not randomized were formed, depending on the intensity of the tango class, defined by metabolic equivalents (METS). The low intensity tango group involving 22 older adults, and in the moderate intensity tango group were included 18 older adults. Participants filled out the questionnaire Profile of Mood States and the Borg´s Scale of Perceived Exertion before and after the tango class. There were no significant differences between groups according to the intensity of each class of tango in the five moods measured or perceived exertion. There was a significant increase for the mood of tension and for the perceived exertion in the posttest measurements (p ≤ 0.001). The novelty and difficulty factor in ignorance of the tango technique might affect the mood of tension in both groups and the management of different intensities of class. The mood of energy remained at high levels but did not increase significantly. More rigorous studies are needed to meet other physiological effects, including the intensity of tango as physical activity and psychological effects not studied in relation to this social dance.