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An after-school dance and lifestyle education program reduces risk factors for heart disease and diabetes in elementary school children.
Hogg, J, Diaz, A, Del Cid, M, Mueller, C, Lipman, EG, Cheruvu, S, Chiu, YL, Vogiatzi, M, Nimkarn, S
Journal of pediatric endocrinology & metabolism : JPEM. 2012;(5-6):509-16
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Forty-three percent of New York City's (NYC) school-age children are overweight or obese, placing them at risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine if an intensive after-school dance and lifestyle education program would reduce risk factors for heart disease, T2DM, and improve lifestyle choices. SUBJECTS Subject include 64 fourth- and fifth-grade students at an elementary school in NYC. METHODS Students received freestyle dance and lifestyle classes for 16 weeks and were evaluated for changes in body composition, endurance, biochemical measurements, and lifestyle choices. RESULTS Significant improvements in BMI percentiles were found among children in the overweight and obese categories as well as in endurance and biochemical measurements that reflect heart disease and diabetes risk. Improvement was also reported in lifestyle choices. CONCLUSION An intensive after-school dance and lifestyle education program can reduce risk factors for heart disease and T2DM and improve lifestyle choices among elementary school children.
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Oxygen uptake during modern dance class, rehearsal, and performance.
Wyon, MA, Abt, G, Redding, E, Head, A, Sharp, NC
Journal of strength and conditioning research. 2004;(3):646-9
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to examine whether the workload, expressed in oxygen uptake and heart rate, during dance class and rehearsal prepared the dancer for performance. Previous research on the demands of class and performance has been affected by equipment limitations and could only provide limited insight into the physiological demands placed on the dancer. The present study noted that dance performance had significantly greater mean oxygen uptake and heart rate than noted in both class and rehearsal (p < 0.05). Further analysis noted that, during class and rehearsal, heart rates were rarely within the aerobic training zone (60-90%HRmax, where HRmax is the maximum heart rate). Dance performance placed a greater demand on the aerobic and anaerobic glycolytic energy systems than seen during class and rehearsal, which placed a greater emphasis on the adenosine triphosphate-creatine phosphate system. Practical implications suggest the need to supplement training within dance companies to overcome this deficit in training demand.