Absolute and relative intensities of solo, free-form dancing in adults: A pilot study

Background:
Free-form dance (FFD) has been studied as a physical activity (PA) mode for improving health; however, the intensity of FFD has yet to be characterized, which limits present understanding of the PA dose associated with participating in FFD.

Purpose:
To quantify the absolute and relative intensities of solo, FFD among active, community-dwelling adults.

Methods:
Participants [N=48; female 79%(38); age—18-83 years; dance training experience—0-56 years], engaged in multiple 5-minute FFD bouts at respectively self-determined moderate and vigorous intensities, with and without music. Absolute (indirect calorimetry) and relative intensities (ratings of perceived exertion via Borg scale; heart rate) were measured during FFD. The significance level was established a priori at α=0.05.

Results:
Linear mixed effects models showed the mean absolute intensity of self-determined moderate intensity dancing without music was 5.6(0.24) metabolic equivalents (METs). On average, the presence of music (β=0.6) and the intention to dance at a vigorous intensity (β=1.1) were positively associated with METs. METs were inversely associated with age (β=-0.05) and BMI (β=-0.10). The mean relative intensity of self-determined moderate-to-vigorous intensity dancing, with and without music, was 76%(1.59) of the age-predicted maximal heart rate; 74%(1.59) of the heart rate reserve (HRR); and 13(0.34) on the Borg scale. By measure of %HRR, all adults reached at least a moderate intensity across all bouts.

Conclusions:
Adults modulated the PA intensity of FFD at will between self-determined moderate and vigorous intensity bouts. The presence of music was positively associated with intensity during FFD. Adults reached at least a moderate PA intensity during FFD with or without music as measured by HRR.

Practical Implications:
The intention to engage in FFD at a moderate-to-vigorous intensity, with or without music, provides a sufficient stimulus for community-dwelling adults to reach moderate-to-vigorous PA intensities while dancing solo.

Funding:
National Endowment for the Arts Award #1879058-38-C-21