Heart Rate And RPE Responses Across Latin Dance Styles: Findings From A Latin Dance Program

PURPOSE: The BAILAMOS™ Latin Dance program is an evidence-based program for older Latinos; however, prior studies have not examined its heart rate (HR) responses or dance intensity. This study aims to investigate HR responses and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) for six Latin dance styles—merengue, cha cha cha, bachata, salsa, cumbia, and flamenco—at three intervals. METHODS: A 6-month randomized controlled trial was conducted where participants were placed into 1) the BAILAMOS™ Latin dance combined with the MIND diet program or 2) the BAILAMOS™ Latin dance paired with a health education program. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze HR responses across different dance styles. Participants measured their HR by checking their pulse before, during, and immediately after the dance session and reported their RPE. The analysis accounted for sphericity assumptions, using Greenhouse-Geisser and Huynh-Feldt corrections when needed, and RPE means were reported by dance style. RESULTS: The repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant differences in HR across dance styles. In the merengue style, HR increased significantly over each interval with a mean of 124.3 bpm (F(2, 24) = 11.926, p < 0.001) and a mean RPE of 5.7 (moderate intensity). The cha cha cha style had a mean HR of 116.75 bpm (F(2, 34) = 32.250, p < 0.001) and an RPE of 5.4 (moderate intensity). The bachata style showed a mean HR of 119.17 bpm (F(2, 28) = 13.961, p < 0.001) with an RPE of 4.7 (slightly moderate intensity). The salsa style recorded a mean HR of 126.03 bpm (F(2, 60) = 75.433, p < 0.001) and an RPE of 5.3 (moderate intensity). For the cumbia style, the mean HR was 120.37 bpm (F(2, 24) = 28.687, p < 0.001) with an RPE of 5.6 (moderate intensity). In contrast, the flamenco style did not show significant HR differences, with a mean HR of 121 bpm (F(2, 16) = 2.029, p = 0.164) and an RPE of 4.3 (slightly moderate intensity). CONCLUSIONS: The findings show significant variations in HR across the dance styles, with most styles resulting in notable increases in heart rate during the sessions. Each style exhibited moderate intensity, as reflected in both subjective and objective measures. Understanding these HR responses is crucial for creating culturally relevant exercise recommendations that enhance cardiovascular health and well-being in Latino communities. Supported by: NIH 2 P30 AG022849-21