Reliability of the Dance Fitness Indicator©: Pilot data

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the Dance Fitness Indicator (DFI), which consists of various fitness-type related skill-specific contemporary dance movements that progressively increase in intensity.

Literature review:

Dance performance requires a significantly greater mean heart rate (and oxygen demand), than dance class or rehearsals, with an increased amount of time spent at high intensity (HR <160 b.min-1 and 35ml.kg). To improve aerobic fitness, exercise intensity should be between 70-90% HR max and 14-17 RPE.

Methods:

Twelve contemporary dancers participated (F=9, M=3). Institution ethical approval was given and all participants completed informed consent forms prior to testing. All dancers attended 3 sessions to learn/test/re-test within a 1-week period. Variables measured were blood lactate (BLa mmol.L-1), heart rate (HR b.min-1) and rate of perceived exertion (Borg RPE 6-20 scale). BLa was measured at rest; at end/level 4; 5 mins recovery. HR was measured at rest; after levels 1,2,3,4; 5 minutes recovery. RPE was recorded after levels 1,2,3,4; 5 minutes recovery. Reliability was calculated by determining the coefficient of variation from paired samples t-tests for test/re-test, intraclass correlation coefficient; 95% confidence intervals, significance was set at p<0.05: % changes less than 5% were considered reliable.

Results and Discussion:

The results showed consistency between test 1 and test 2, demonstrating good reliability (<5%) for end BLa (3.2%), HR (1.7%) and RPE (0.9%). Mean end BLa=9.01 mmol.L-1; above 4 mmol.L-1 demonstrates the intensity is high enough to stress the anaerobic pathways. Mean end HR was 185 b.min-1 equivalent to 94% age-predicted HR max. Mean end RPE=17. The intensity of the DFI effectively stresses cardiorespiratory systems, and relates to the high intensities required for dance performance.

Conclusion:

Results suggest the DFI to be a reliable means of assessing and monitoring dancers’ readiness for the higher intensity required for performance. Future research considerations include: repeating with greater participant numbers to fully establish reliability and validity; the potential as a maximal fitness test for dancers through repeating level 4 until fatigue due to indication of HR plateau; investigating the potential of the DFI as a high intensity training tool.

Recommended reading:

Beck, S., Wyon, M., Redding, E. 2018. Changes in energy demand of dance activity and cardiorespiratory fitness during 1 year of vocational contemporary dance training. Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. 32(3): 841-848.

Wyon, M. 2005. Cardiorespiratory training for dancers. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science. 9(1): 7-11.