title: Is Low-Impact Aerobic Dance an Effective Cardiovascular Workout?
abstract: In brief: Ten women performed four different aerobic dance routines in a randomized crossover study to evaluate energy expenditure. The routines consisted of the following combinations: low intensity, low impact; high intensity, low impact; low intensity, high impact; and high intensity, high impact. The women warmed up for five minutes, then did a 20-minute routine. Metabolic measures were monitored by means of open circuit spirometry and heart rates measured by ECG. Statistical analyses showed that for both high and low intensities, the high-impact routines required a significantly greater energy expenditure, regardless of heart rate. Thus for low-impact dance to meet the minimum guidelines for exercise suggested by the American College of Sports Medicine, it should be performed at high intensity.
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Williford
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Blessing
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.forename: F H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Smith