Comparison of Physical Activity Characteristics between Four Styles of Latin Dance among Low-Active Older Latinos

Abstract

PURPOSE:Older Latinos are the fastest growing component of the older population in the U.S. and have the lowest physical activity (PA) rates. The challenge is to identify culturally appropriate PA for older Latinos. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the PA characteristics of different dance styles using objective measures of steps, heart rate (HR), energy expenditure (EE), and minutes at each level of intensity. METHODS:The BAILAMOS© Latin Dance Program consisted of six one-hour classes for each of four dance styles: Merengue, Cha Cha Cha, Bachata, and Salsa. PA was assessed during each class using accelerometers worn on the hip and initialized to sample over three axes at two-second epochs with the low-frequency extension option activated. Output was used to estimate steps and EE, as well as minutes spent in light, moderate, and vigorous intensity PA, categorized by the Miller et al. (2010) cut points. HR was assessed during the first and last class of each dance style using heart rate monitors and percent of maximum heart rate (%MHR) was calculated using guidelines from Tanaka et al. (2001). Comparisons were made across measures between each style of dance. RESULTS:Twelve older (11 women, 1 man), previously sedentary Latinos with self-reported mobility limitations participated. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was computed to determine differences between dance styles on dependent measures. Merengue demonstrated significantly greater minutes of vigorous activity (p =.001) compared to the other three styles of dance. Across styles, classes resulted in substantial time spent in light intensity PA (M = 28.45 min., SD = 5.23), but fewer minutes of moderate vigorous PA (MVPA) (M = 6.84, SD = 5.61), despite %MHR output indicating that the PA was of moderate intensity across styles (M =.60, SD =.10). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary evidence suggests that, regardless of the dance style utilized, Latin dance is an adequate tool for promoting light-moderate PA among older Latinos with mobility limitations. Future research should investigate techniques to increase the number of minutes of MVPA within bouts of Latin dance to move participants towards meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.