Heart Rate Response and Subjective Rating of Perceived Exertion to a Simulated Latin DanceSport Competition in Experienced Latin Dancers

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the response of heart rate (HR) and the subjective rating of perceived exertion (RPE) during a simulated DanceSport competition. The mean and maximum HR of 18 dancers of the highest level were evaluated during a simulated DanceSport competition consisting of 5 Latin dances. RPE values were recorded immediately after each dance. The dances were ranked as follows according to the mean HR (samba [165.3 ± 16.3 bpm] < rumba bolero [176.9 ± 9.9 bpm] < cha-cha-chá [179.1 ± 11.4 bpm] = paso doble [182.5 ± 12.5 bpm] = jive [184.3 ± 11.4 bpm]); maximum HR (samba [185.6 ± 8.9 bpm] = rumba bolero [187.0 ± 9.1 bpm] < cha-cha-chá [190.1 ± 8.0 bpm] = paso doble [191.4 ± 9.0 bpm] < jive [194.2 ± 8.1 bpm]); and RPE (rumba bolero [5.22 ± 1.40] < samba [6.42 ± 2.06] = cha-cha-chá [6.78 ± 1.31] = paso doble [7.39 ± 1.04] < jive [8.33 ± 0.91]). The only significant correlation between RPE and HR values was observed for the maximum HR during the first dance of the competition (samba) (r = 0.485). A simulated DanceSport competition causes high physiological stress being influenced by the type of dance.