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Dance Class Structure Affects Youth Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior: A Study of Seven Dance Types.

Authors :
Lopez Castillo MA
Carlson JA
Cain KL
Bonilla EA
Chuang E
Elder JP
Sallis JF
Source :
Research quarterly for exercise and sport [Res Q Exerc Sport] 2015; Vol. 86 (3), pp. 225-32. Date of Electronic Publication: 2015 Mar 16.
Publication Year :
2015

Abstract

Purpose: The study aims were to determine: (a) how class structure varies by dance type, (b) how moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior vary by dance class segments, and (c) how class structure relates to total MVPA in dance classes.<br />Method: Participants were 291 boys and girls ages 5 to 18 years old enrolled in 58 dance classes at 21 dance studios in Southern California. MVPA and sedentary behavior were assessed with accelerometry, with data aggregated to 15-s epochs. Percent and minutes of MVPA and sedentary behavior during dance class segments and percent of class time and minutes spent in each segment were calculated using Freedson age-specific cut points. Differences in MVPA (Freedson 3 Metabolic Equivalents of Tasks age-specific cut points) and sedentary behavior ( < 100 counts/min) were examined using mixed-effects linear regression.<br />Results: The length of each class segment was fairly consistent across dance types, with the exception that in ballet, more time was spent in technique as compared with private jazz/hip-hop classes and Latin-flamenco and less time was spent in routine/practice as compared with Latin-salsa/ballet folklorico. Segment type accounted for 17% of the variance in the proportion of the segment spent in MVPA. The proportion of the segment in MVPA was higher for routine/practice (44.2%) than for technique (34.7%). The proportion of the segment in sedentary behavior was lowest for routine/practice (22.8%).<br />Conclusion: The structure of dance lessons can impact youths' physical activity. Working with instructors to increase time in routine/practice during dance classes could contribute to physical activity promotion in youth.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2168-3824
Volume :
86
Issue :
3
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Research quarterly for exercise and sport
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
25775088
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/02701367.2015.1014084