Physical Activity Levels Of Adolescent Irish Dancers

PURPOSE: Worldwide and in Ireland, participation in sport and physical activity (PA) remains imbalanced across male and female youth. Latest Irish data indicates that 11% of girls and 19% of boys meet PA guidelines with greater disparity apparent among adolescents (1). International and Irish data shows that 60% of adolescent girls participate in community sport at least twice weekly compared to 73% of boys. Research has repeatedly shown that that barriers to sport among adolescents include a perception that they are not ‘sporty’ and do not belong in traditional sport. Dance as an alternative could counteract these barriers. The purpose of this study is to assess the physical activity levels of adolescents that participate in Irish Dance as a sport. METHODS: A convenience sample of dance schools in Ireland were recruited to take part in this study, with larger scale recruitment ongoing. A researcher developed questionnaire including demographic questions, dancer level and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short form (IPAQ_SF) was administered to dance schools for dancers to complete over a one week timeframe which included a minimum of 1 dance session. Data was categorised to determine physical activity levels. One way ANOVA’s were used to determine differences in PA for level of competition and to determine if playing one or more sports impacted PA. RESULTS: A total of 22 adolescents (age 15.45 ± 1.87) took part in the study to date (females n = 20; males n = 20). The IPAQ_SF indicated that 68% of participants were achieving the recommended PA guidelines. World level competitors (2.75 ± 0.62) and non-competitive dancers (2.6 ± 0.89) showed a significantly higher level of PA, than those at a mid-level in competition (2 ± 0.7) (p < 0.16). Dancers who also participated in a second sport reported higher physical activity levels than those who did not (p < 0.12). CONCLUSION: The majority of adolescents participating in Irish Dance as a sport met the physical activity guidelines. The likelihood of meeting these guidelines was higher among elite level dancers and those participating non-competitively. Adolescents who engaged in a second sport were more likely to achieve the PA guidelines. Irish Dance can serve as an effective way to engage adolescents in PA.