Active video dancing game provides high-intensity exercise for hip-hop dancers and non-dancers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of active video game dancing (AVG dancing) on physiological variables in hip-hop dancers. The AVG dancing was performed using the Xbox Kinect, and the physiological variables included oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate (HR), energy expenditure (EE), metabolic equivalent (MET), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and the percentage of maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max%). Thirteen hip-hop dancers (dance experience 5.4±3.2 years) and 16 recreationally active young non-dancers participated in the study. VO₂max was measured at baseline. A few days later, following 15 min of rest in a supine position, the participants performed the AVG dancing. The mean VO₂max values in the dancers and non-dancers were 47.7±1.8 mL/min/kg and 46.6±1.9 mL/min/kg, respectively. No significant difference in VO₂max was observed between the groups. However, the percentage (%) of VO₂max and percentage of HRmax values were significantly higher in the dancer group during the AVG dancing (p<0.01). Furthermore, the VO_{2AVG Dance}, HR_{AVG Dance}, EE_{AVG_Dance} and MET_{AVG_Dance} values were significantly higher in the dancer group (p<0.01). These findings demonstrate that while previous dance experience may affect the playability of the game, thus causing improved physiological responses, AVG dancing provides high-intensity exercise to both dancers and non-dancers (>6 MET).

Keywords: Exer-game; Dance experience; Oxygen consumption; Energy expenditure; Heart rate; Active video game