Effects of a home-based low-to-moderate-intensity dance exercise program on glycemic control and quality of life in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: a single-arm, intervention study.

Background: Exercise therapy improves glycemic control and reduces cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, access to professionally supervised programs is limited, particularly for older adults. Home-based, weather-independent, exercise options have yet to be investigated in detail. Objective: The present study examined the effects of a self-directed, low-to-moderate intensity dance exercise program performed at home on glycemic control and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in older adults with T2D. Methods: In this single-arm, intervention study, 20 elderly patients with T2D (median age, 70.5 years) participated in a standardized, unsupervised, home-based, aerobic dance program ("DaredeMo Dance") for at least 20 min per day for 12 weeks. The program was designed to be of low-to-moderate intensity, namely < 4 metabolic equivalents (METs). Primary outcomes were changes in HbA1c, glycoalbumin (GA), and HRQOL (assessed using SF-36v2). Secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Results: After 12 weeks, significant improvements were observed in BMI (23.4 to 23.2 kg/m2, P = 0.002), systolic BP (134.0 to 125.0 mmHg, P = 0.004), diastolic BP (72.0 to 67.5 mmHg, P = 0.040), HbA1c (7.3 to 7.0%, P = 0.0012), and FPG (150 to 140 mg/dL, P = 0.034). HRQOL improved in all eight domains of SF-36v2, with significant improvements in Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, and Mental Health. Conclusions: A standardized, indoor, low-to-moderate intensity, dance program improved glycemic control and HRQOL in older adults with T2D. This approach offers a safe, accessible, and sustainable exercise option for those with limited access to professional guidance. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13340-025-00854-6.