Longitudinal Impact of a Dancesport Intervention on Anaerobic Power, Functional Fitness, and Sensorimotor Integration in Vietnamese University Students: A Physiological and Behavioral Analysis

Physical inactivity among the university-aged population has reached critical levels, necessitating the development of innovative and intrinsically motivating physical education (PE) curricula. The transition into higher education is frequently marked by a decline in regular exercise, leading to a degradation of metabolic health and neuromuscular coordination. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of a 40-week structured Dancesport (DS) intervention on anaerobic capacity, physical fitness, psychological endurance, and sensorimotor control in Vietnamese university students. Utilizing a single-group pre-test post-test design, 60 participants (30 males, 30 females; age 18-22) were subjected to a comprehensive program encompassing five Latin dance styles: Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Physiological assessments were conducted using the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) on a Monark 839E cycle ergometer, while physical fitness was benchmarked against the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training standards (Decision No. 53/2008/QĐ-BGDĐT). Sensorimotor controls were measured using a T.K.K II-1264 reaction measurement device to determine simple and choice reaction times, alongside proprioceptive acuity. Following the intervention, significant improvements (p<0.05) were observed across nearly all metabolic and fitness parameters. Relative Anaerobic Capacity (RAC) increased by 11.78% in males and 16.60% in females. All six physical fitness components, including the 30m sprint and 5-minute run, showed statistically significant improvements (p<0.05). Psychological endurance classifications shifted positively, with the prevalence of 'Good' and 'Fair' ratings increasing substantially for both genders. Notably, while reaction times decreased significantly, proprioceptive acuity showed a concomitant decrease, illustrating a classic speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT). These findings suggest that Dancesport is a highly effective, multifaceted intervention that enhances both the physiological resilience and neuromuscular coordination of university students, making it a viable alternative to traditional physical education programs.