A comparison of the training responses to aerobic dance and jogging in college females.

The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological alterations that occur in college females as a result of a 7-wk jogging and aerobic dance-training program. Forty-six subjects (18-29 yr) volunteered to participate and included 15 dancers, 19 joggers, and 12 controls. All subjects were given a pre- and post-VO2max treadmill test. The joggers and dancers trained 4 d/wk, 30 min/d for 7 wk at an intensity that represented approximately 83 and 84% of their initial maximal heart rates, respectively. Both experimental groups significantly (P less than 0.05) increased their VO2max, VEmax, and maximal treadmill running times and significantly (P less than 0.05) decreased their maximal heart rates as a result of the training. The control group showed no significant (P greater than 0.05) changes in any of the variables measured. It was concluded that both aerobic dance and jogging were equally effective (P less than 0.05) exercise modalities for improving cardiorespiratory endurance when performed at similar intensities, frequencies, and durations.