Comparison of Maximal Oxygen Consumption Uptake Using Incremental Shuttle Walk Test between Classical Dancers and Nondancers

Background and Aim: Dance, being a noncompetitive form of exercise, engages various muscle groups, enhancing strength, tone, and endurance. The measure of maximum oxygen consumption offers insight into ability of cardiovascular, respiratory, and muscular system to deliver and utilize oxygen. This study was conducted to find whether there is a difference in the maximal oxygen consumption between the dancers and non-dancers using incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). Methods: Sixty participants (dancers = 30 and non-dancers = 30) were recruited, which were divided into two groups. The participants were made to perform ISWT. ISWT VO2 max was calculated, and data analysis was done. Results: The independent samples Mann–Whitney U-test assesses the difference between the maximal oxygen consumption between the dancers and non-dancers and found a statistically significant difference between the two groups with test statistic U = 72.500, P < 0.001. Conclusion: The maximal oxygen consumption was higher in dancers than non-dancers.