Evaluation of two different 1-year training programs among prepuberal female children

Ausilia Elce,Ersilia Nigro,Alessandro Del Pizzo,Francesco Guarino,Graziella Di Rauso,Aurora Daniele,Armando Sangiorgio,Rita Polito

doi:10.1007/s12662-021-00740-8

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse and compare the effects of two different dance training concepts in terms of anthropometric indices and supervised motor test performance between two groups of 56 prepuberal girls. The first group, composed of 29 girls, performed a typical classical dance training program (D group), while the second one, composed of 27 girls, followed a mixed training (D&R group) workout, with classical dance exercises alternated to rhythmic gymnastics. Anthropometric and exercise performance data were collected and assessed initially (T1) and after a 1-year (T2) training program. Data collected were firstly tested for collinearity using Belsley’s test and, after their normality was tested through the Shapiro–Wilk test, analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed on a subset of noncollinear variables. The two groups showed improvements in both anthropometric parameters and exercise performance; however, no differences arose between the variation of anthropometric parameters between the two groups. On the other hand, exercise performance was improved in some fields of the D&R group, particularly in exercises regarding the upper body, such as pull-ups, chin-ups and sit-ups. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that a specific training program consisting of classic dance plus rhythmic gymnastics exercises (D&R) has a greater impact compared to a program of simple classic dance, in terms of skill performance without impairment of anthropometric parameters.

Highlights

Classical dance (D) and rhythmic gymnastics (R) are two of the most popular disciplines among children and adolescent females (Altmann, Roberts, Scharfbillig, & Jones, 2019)
The main limitation of the study is the relative low number of tested subjects, our data showed that a specific training program consisting of classic dance plus rhythmic gymnastics exercises (D&R) has a greater impact compared to a program of simple classic dance, in terms of skill performance without impairment of anthropometric parameters
It is widely recognized in literature that there is a significant relationship between the level of sport activity and all indicators of well-being (Ferron, Narring, Cauderay, & Michaud, 1999)

Summary

Introduction

Classical dance (D) and rhythmic gymnastics (R) are two of the most popular disciplines among children and adolescent females (Altmann, Roberts, Scharfbillig, & Jones, 2019). Classical dance training starts in childhood, between 4 and 6 years of age (Steinberg, Tenenbaum, Stern, Zeev, & Siev-Ner, 2019). Ballet dance, representing the first choice of sportive discipline selected by female children, requires intensive training starting in childhood to reach the demanded aesthetic standards in elite dancers (Haller et al, 2003). On the contrary, regarding anthropometrical values, Bowerman, Whatman, Harris, and Bradshaw (2015) found that young professional female ballet dancers show a delayed growth onset. Other authors have observed a prevalence of low bone mineral density and an increased risk of osteoporosis in young elite female ballet dancers (Amorim et al, 2015)

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