engleski

Differences in energetic capacity indicators between Croatian elite female and male sport dancers

The aim of the paper was to examine the differences in ventilation and metabolic parameters of Croatian elite female and male Latin-American and standard sport dancers. The subject sample consisted of 19 professional Latin and standard sport dancers (8 women, average age 19.88±4.77 and 11 male, average age 20.85±4.28). All the subjects completed an incremental treadmill test (ITT). ITT is a standard test to evaluate aerobic and anaerobic capacity. Statistically significant differences between male and female dancers were identified in as many as 11 variables (F1Brzmax, F1BrzVT, F1RVO2, F1RVO2VT, F1VEmax, F1VO2, F1VO2/HR, F1VO2VT, F1VTmax, FFEV1, FFEV1%, FFVK). The lower values of oxygen uptake between female and male dancers might be explained by some factors that influence the female endurance, and they include amount of fat, heart size, as well as estrogen and progesterone levels at diff erent phases of a menstrual cycle, which notably influence cardio-vascular system (Šalaj, 2009). The average age of the dancing partners should be taken into account as well, since the age category of the dance couple is determined regarding the age of the older dancer (who is usually the male) and the particular ventilating parameters do not reach their maximum potential in younger dancers, due to their ongoing development. The results show that it is extremely important to have an individual approach in defining energy components of the dance couple and to define precisely the training process parameters (intensity and volume). Similarly, one of the key factors for the success of a dance couple could also involve considering gender differences when planning endurance training. Only the above-mentioned approach in dance sport couples’ training in Croatia can contribute to its development and to achieving top European and world level results.

oxygen uptake ; ITT ; individual approach

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