The development of a dance specific interval training programme for modern dancers: Design validity

Macey, Elaine MSc Dance Science, BA Honours Dance, Trinity Laban, London, United Kingdom 

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to validate a dance specific interval training programme (DSITP) developed as an appropriate method of fitness training for modern dancers. The experimental hypothesis states the DSITP will provoke physiological intensity levels prevalent in modern the dance class, rehearsal and performance. 

Methods

Eight dancers volunteered to participate (mean age of 26 ± 5.3 years) in the DSITP test. Data collected included heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration (BLC), oxygen uptake (VO₂), rates of perceived exertion (RPE), Brunel Mood States (BRUMS) and a qualitative questionnaire. Ethics approval was granted prior to testing. 

Due to limited dance science research involving interval training (IT) protocol designs, sport science IT research informed the DSITP design. Three studio-based research stages were followed, observational studies of the modern dance class, protocol design, and a pilot test. 

The DSITP, tested in a dance studio, consisted of a 6.5 minute warm-up, and three dance specific exercise sets each lasting 6.5 minutes. Each set consisted of five 30 second dance specific exercise intervals, interspersed with 1 minute active rest.

Results

Mean and standard deviations for quantitative data collected throughout the DSITP test are highlighted in table 1. Recorded mood states indicted a mean increase in vigor and fatigue post testing, and questionnaire responses revealed positive responses to the design and specificity.

Table 1.       Mean and standard deviations for heart rate (HR), blood lactate                           

concentration (BLC), oxygen uptake (VO₂), and rates of perceived exertion (RPE) during the dance specific interval training programme (DSITP).  

Test

DSITP

HR (b·min^-1)

165 ± 17

BLC (mmol L^-1)

6.2 ± 3.5

VO₂ (ml kg^-1 min^-1)

24.4 ± 6.7

RPE

14 ± 2

Conclusions

Mean HR, VO₂ and BLC results from the DSITP test were found to have similar or greater intensity values compared to studies carried out on modern dancers in rehearsal and performance (Wyon and Redding, 2005), concluding logical validity of the DSITP as an appropriate training protocol for modern dancers. The main limitation in this study was low participant numbers. 

Future recommendations for developing the DSITP include designing interval training protocols specific to dance techniques, variations in work-to-rest ratios for different training stages, and to establish a pretest-posttest randomised group design investigating the physiological and psychological responses to the DSITP in a longitudinal study.

Reference

Wyon, M. A., & Redding, E. (2005). Physiological monitoring of cardiorespiratory adaptations during rehearsal and performance of contemporary dance. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 19, 611-614.