Development of a system for observing dance activities in the classroom environment (SODANCE)

This study sought to develop a system for observing dance activities in the classroom environment (SODANCE) based on the system for observing fitness instructional time (SOFIT). SODANCE utilizes direct observation to quantify the physical activity intensity of dance activities. Female students aged 11–17 years participated in an activity protocol of SOFIT and common dance activities to identify appropriate coding categories. Each student wore a heart rate monitor and accelerometer while performing the following activities: lying, sitting, standing, walking, running, single-leg balances, leg swings, pirouettes, and leaps. Ultimately, heart rate reserve output was determined to be the best assessment, followed by accelerometry-based vector magnitude output, and expert opinion. Chi squared tests were used to determine if there were significant differences in the proportion of subjects whose heart rate reserve data classified the activity as light vs. moderate vs. vigorous. In conclusion, the dance activities were coded as follows: single-leg balances = 4, leg swings = 4, pirouettes = 5, and leaps = 5. The developed SODANCE instrument may be used by researchers and practitioners to assess physical activity intensity during dance classes in the public schools.