The Effect of Recreational Rhythmic Gymnastics' Training Programs on Older Women's Manual Dexterity: A Randomized Trial.

Background/objective: Manual dexterity is critical for maintaining functional independence and quality of life in older adults, yet limited research has explored training interventions to enhance this skill. This study examined the effect of rhythmic gymnastics (RG) exercise programs, with and without apparatus, on the manual dexterity of older women.

Methods: Seventy-six women, aged over 65 (68.47 ± 3.34), without serious health or mobility issues, and no prior RG experience, were randomly assigned to two experimental and one control group. Each experimental group followed a 12-week intervention program (three sessions/week, 1 hr each). The first group (A) followed an RG program with the use of sport's apparatus and the second one (B) an RG exercise program using only body movements, without any apparatus. The control group (C) followed their typical everyday schedule. Manual dexterity was assessed three times (before the intervention, immediately after, and 20 weeks later for retention) using the Pegboard and Box and Blocks Tests.

Results: Group A showed a significant improvement in manual dexterity from pre to postintervention, with performance maintained at the retention test. Group B and the control group did not exhibit significant improvements across all measures.

Conclusion: The RG program with apparatus significantly improved manual dexterity in older women and maintained these improvements over time. Significance/Implications: RG programs with apparatus can enhance manual dexterity in older women and, in turn, promote functional independence in older adults, supporting its inclusion in exercise programs for this population. Future studies should also include male participants and frail populations.