Study design
BLOOD
Participants were randomly assigned into three groups: balance training group (BG; n = 15), dance training group (DG; n = 14), and control group (CG; n = 12). The BG and the DG groups performed training three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) for 12 weeks. All measurements (body composition analysis, blood pressure measurement, blood collection, and functional tests—6-min walk test (6MWT) and timed up and go test (TUG) were performed 2 days before and 2 days after the intervention. Blood samples were taken to determine blood irisin, myostatin, IL-18, BDNF, CAF, 25-(OH)D3, insulin, and glucose concentration. Before the beginning of the training protocols, a medical examination was performed to exclude those participants with significant contraindications to exercise. The physician also assayed the blood pressure (BP) before and after the intervention. BP was measured in the seated position, on the left arm, thrice with 2-min intervals by the auscultator technique using a conventional mercury sphygmomanometer with an appropriately sized cuff. Measurements were obtained in the morning between 8:00 AM and 10.00 AM, after a 5-min of rest.The fitness tests were performed by specialists who were blinded to the group assignments, exercise program, and control group status of the participants.