Assessment of Physical Activity Using Pedometers in a Structured Greek Traditional Dance Session in Adults: A Pilot Study

Abstract

The aim of the present study was twofold: a) to test pedometers’ reliability of measuring physical activity level and recording steps, and b) to record the level of physical activity using pedometers in adult participants, in a structured 60-minute Greek traditional dance session. Twenty adult members of a dance club aged 20-55 years old (7 men and 13 women) participated in the study. Pedometers were placed above the right hip of the individuals and recorded steps, distance, time of participation, calories, burnt fat during a structured 60-minute Greek traditional dance session. Steps per minute were, also, calculated. The measurement was performed twice for each individual, with the same dancing protocol, with an interval of one week between measurements. The results for reliability showed that intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was significantly high for all variables, ranged from .91 to .99. Paired sample t-test analysis showed no significant differences between measurements, in all variables (p>.05). Moreover, according to results regarding the level of physical activity during participation in this session, participants recorded an average of 5,231.25 (±468.86) steps and they covered an average of 125.01 (± 7.81) steps per minute, meeting the needs based on the daily recommended number of steps, contributing to health benefits. In conclusion, pedometers were found to be an easy and reliable way of assessing physical activity in an hourly structured Greek traditional dance session. Thus, Greek traditional dance sessions may be planned and structured based on the principles for organizing an exercise session, and following the official physical activity guidelines. As a result, Greek traditional dance can be a means for participants in different age groups not only to obtain recreational benefits, but also, to achieve psychological and physiological health benefits, as well.