The main goal of this investigation was to analyze cardiorespiratory features and metabolic alterations caused by specific dance training in a group of 16 professional classical ballet dancers, 8 female and 8 male, mean age 18.2 ± 3.8 and 26.2 ± 4.5, respectively. All subjects were submitted to maximum exercise test on the treadmill using Bruce's protocol. Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses were analyzed by a Beckman Metabolic Measurement Cart computerized system. The following results were found for the male ballet dancers group vs. the male control group: VO2 max. (46 ± 4 vs. 43 ± 6 ml.kg-1.min-1 of O2); HR max. (194 ± 12 vs. 202 ± 11 beats.min-1); V E max. (112 ± 16 vs. 123 ± 18 L.min-1); VO2 at AT (35 ± 4 vs. 26 ± 4 ml.kg-1.min-1 of O2 [p < 0.01]); HR at AT (169 ± 18 vs. 163 ± 15 beats.min-1). Female ballet dancers group vs. female control group: VO2 max. (39 ± 6 vs. 35 ± 6 ml.kg-1.min-1 of O2); HR max. (197 ± 10 vs. 201 ± 6 beats.min-1); V E max. (72 ± 9 vs. 81 ± 6 L.min-1); VO2 at AT (26 ± 4 vs. 27 ± 4 ml.kg-1.min-1 of O2); HR at AT (164 ± 10 vs. 176 ± 17 beats.min-1). Conclusion: 1) the specific ballet dance training routine does not seem to generate an adequate stimulus to improve cardiorespiratory and metabolic ballet dancers aptitude, and 2) the authors suggest an additional physical training programs to improve ballet dancers physical conditioning.
Aerobic capacity; Professional ballet dancing; Physiologic responses
