Strength and conditioning in dance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Dance Science
• Sports Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Dancers require high levels of physical and aesthetic competence.
• The role of structured strength and conditioning (S&C) in optimizing these attributes remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the evidence on the effects of S&C interventions on physical qualities and aesthetic competence in dancers.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus databases was conducted up to September 2022.
• Studies included dancers aged over 16 years undergoing structured S&C interventions.
• Methodological quality was assessed using QualSyst; effect sizes (Hedges' g) were meta-analyzed.

Main Results:

• Thirty-six studies were included in the review.
• Meta-analysis revealed significant improvements in lower body power (g=0.90), upper body strength (g=0.98), lower body strength (g=1.59), and flexibility (g=0.86).
• S&C interventions demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing dancers' physical qualities.

Conclusions:

• Strength and conditioning interventions are effective in improving key physical qualities essential for dance.
• Dancers are encouraged to participate in S&C to enhance fitness and performance.
• Future research should focus on specific dance genres and skill levels to further elucidate S&C's impact on dance performance.