Exit easy mode

Invitation to Participate in the NEURODANCE Study: How Does Dancing Affect Physical and Cognitive Abilities in Older Adults?

Published 25. September, 2026

Are you interested in discovering how dancing affects physical abilities, brain function and quality of life in older age? The Institute for Kinesiology Research at the Science and Research Centre Koper (ZRS Koper) invites you to participate in the scientific study NEURODANCE – Dance as an Intervention to Promote Neuroplasticity and Motor Function in Older Age.

The aim of the study is to investigate how regular dance training can improve physical and cognitive abilities in older adults and promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt, change and form new connections. The study will contribute to new scientific knowledge about the importance of physical activity for healthy and active ageing.

As part of the project, researchers will monitor the effects of a six-month dance training programme on participants’ physical fitness and cognitive abilities. Particular attention will be given to exploring the potential benefits of dancing as a form of physical activity that combines movement, coordination, memory and social interaction.

Who Can Participate?

The study aims to recruit 32 participants: 16 women and 16 men over the age of 65.

We invite individuals who meet the following criteria to participate:

  • Are over 65 years of age.
  • Have not regularly participated in dancing or exercise programmes during the past five years.
  • Are non-smokers.
  • Are healthy or have a stable chronic medical condition.

Before being enrolled in the study, prospective participants will receive additional information about the study procedures and participation requirements.

What Does Participation Involve?

  • Participants will take part in a six-month dance training programme, consisting of two professionally supervised 60-minute sessions per week.
  • The study also includes comprehensive monitoring of participants’ health status and physical and cognitive abilities. Assessments will be conducted in collaboration with Izola General Hospital and the Institute for Kinesiology Research at ZRS Koper.
  • Assessments will be carried out at three time points: before the start of the study, immediately after completing the six-month dance training programme, and again six months after its completion. Each assessment will involve two days of testing in Koper.

Based on the data collected, researchers will investigate changes in participants’ physical and cognitive abilities, as well as the longer-term effects of dance training.

What Are the Benefits of Participating?

Participation in the study offers individuals the opportunity to actively contribute to scientific research on healthy ageing while receiving several benefits:

  • A comprehensive assessment of physical and mental health.
  • A free six-month membership at a fitness centre or dance studio, including professionally supervised training twice a week.
  • The opportunity to improve physical fitness and cognitive abilities.
  • The chance to contribute to the development of new scientific knowledge about healthy ageing.
  • Financial compensation of EUR 1,000 gross for participation in the study.

The study therefore combines scientific research with the practical promotion of an active lifestyle in older age.

Registration and Further Information

We invite everyone who meets the eligibility criteria and is interested in participating to register or contact the study coordinator for further information.

Contact person: Manca Škoda Phone: +386 41 850 975 Email:

Join the NEURODANCE study and help researchers explore how dancing can contribute to healthy and active ageing!

The project Ples kot intervencija za spodbujanje nevroplastičnosti in gibalnih funkcij v starosti (J5-7019) is funded by the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency (ARIS).