The Need for Development of Power Prediction Models in Modern Dance Performance

Accurate power estimation is essential for evaluating explosive strength in athletes, but current formulas may not be suitable for dancers due to their unique biomechanics.

This study aims to examine the vertical jump power characteristics of modern dancers, accounting for sex-related differences, and to critically assess the limitations of existing power estimation models in dance performance.

The study assessed the applicability of power estimation formulas for dancers, with 52 trained dancers (30 females, 22 males; mean age: 24.5 ± 3.07 years) performing maximal-effort countermovement jumps to evaluate explosive power. Power values were calculated using equations for males (Amonette, Lara, and Quagliarella) and females (Lara and Canavan and Vescovi).

Significant differences were found among the power estimation formulas for both female (χ² = 60.0, P < .001) and male dancers (χ² = 42.0, P < .001). Among female dancers, the Lara medium formula produced higher power estimates than both the Lara elite (P = .004, g = -0.521) and the Canavan and Vescovi (P < .001, g = -1.02) formulas, with effect sizes ranging from moderate to very large. For male dancers, the Amonette formula yielded the highest power estimates (P < .001, g = -1.18), followed by the Lara formula (P < .001, g = -0.85), both showing large effect sizes. The Quagliarella formula consistently provided the lowest estimates (P < .001, g = -1.13). Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) indicated good reliability, with ICC values of 0.872 for females and 0.959 for males.

The examined power estimation formulas did not accurately reflect the vertical jump performance of modern dancers, revealing notable inconsistencies between methods. These findings highlight the need to develop gender-specific models that account for dancers' unique biomechanics, ensuring more precise and valid power assessments in this population.