Metabolic equivalent determination in the cultural dance of hula

Area of Science:

• Exercise Physiology
• Cultural Health Practices

Background:

• Ethnic minorities bear a disproportionate burden of cardiometabolic syndrome.
• Physical activity (PA) is crucial for managing these conditions, but many cultural activities lack established energy expenditure values.
• Hula, a traditional Native Hawaiian dance, is widely practiced but its metabolic equivalent (MET) value is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To scientifically evaluate the energy expenditure of hula dancing.
• To determine the metabolic equivalent (MET) values for low- and high-intensity hula.
• To assess hula's potential as a prescribed physical activity for health.

Main Methods:

• 19 competitive hula dancers (male and female) performed standardized low- and high-intensity hula routines.
• Energy expenditure was measured using portable indirect calorimetry to determine MET values.
• Statistical analysis, including 2-way ANOVA, examined differences by gender and intensity.

Main Results:

• Mean MET values for hula were 5.7 for low-intensity and 7.55 for high-intensity.
• Both low- and high-intensity hula met recommended guidelines for moderate and vigorous physical activity, respectively.
• Significant differences in MET values were found between intensities, but not between genders.

Conclusions:

• Hula dancing provides substantial energy expenditure, qualifying as both moderate and vigorous intensity exercise.
• Hula's established MET values support its integration as a prescribed physical activity.
• This research validates hula as a culturally relevant and effective PA option, particularly for populations at risk for cardiometabolic diseases.