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Does living setting influence training adaptations in young girls?
M C Gallotta1, L Guidetti, G P Emerenziani
1Department of Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico," Rome, Italy.
Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports
|November 4, 2009
Summary
Rural girls showed greater improvements in fitness and coordination after dance training compared to urban girls. This suggests that environmental factors influence training adaptations in young dancers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Exercise Science
- Dance Training Adaptations
- Environmental Influences on Physical Development
Background:
- Dance training is a popular physical activity for young girls.
- The influence of geographical setting (rural vs. urban) on training adaptations is not well understood.
- Understanding these differences can inform targeted physical activity programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if rural or urban settings impact fitness and coordinative ability adaptations in young female dancers.
- To compare training outcomes between girls in rural and urban environments undergoing dance training.
Main Methods:
- Forty-four girls aged 11-12 (21 urban, 23 rural) participated in 6 months of dance training.
- Fitness and motor coordination were assessed pre- and post-intervention using anthropometric measures, endurance tests, flexibility, power, and various field tests.
- Physical activity levels were recorded via self-report recall.
Main Results:
- Rural dancers demonstrated significant improvements in endurance (1-mile run/walk), lower limb kinaesthetic discrimination, and response orientation.
- Significant differences between groups were observed in upper limb response orientation.
- Both groups showed increases in height and weight; non-organized physical activity partially predicted some adaptations.
Conclusions:
- Setting characteristics and associated physical activity opportunities can influence training adaptations in young dancers.
- Rural environments may offer advantages for certain aspects of fitness and coordination development in this age group.
- Further research is needed to explore the specific environmental factors driving these observed differences.
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