International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences Vol. 14(3), pp. 656 - 664
DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140309
Reprint (PDF) (674Kb)

Longitudinal Impact of a Dancesport Intervention on Anaerobic Power, Functional Fitness, and Sensorimotor Integration in Vietnamese University Students: A Physiological and Behavioral Analysis

Thi-Huong To ^1,*, Hung-Dung Nguyen ¹, Ngoc-Trung Trinh ^2
1 Faculty of National Defense Education and Physical Education, Saigon University, Vietnam
² Faculty of Physical Sports, Thanh Hoa University of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam

ABSTRACT

Physical inactivity among the university-aged population has reached critical levels, necessitating the development of innovative and intrinsically motivating physical education (PE) curricula. The transition into higher education is frequently marked by a decline in regular exercise, leading to a degradation of metabolic health and neuromuscular coordination. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal effects of a 40-week structured Dancesport (DS) intervention on anaerobic capacity, physical fitness, psychological endurance, and sensorimotor control in Vietnamese university students. Utilizing a single-group pre-test post-test design, 60 participants (30 males, 30 females; age 18-22) were subjected to a comprehensive program encompassing five Latin dance styles: Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Physiological assessments were conducted using the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT) on a Monark 839E cycle ergometer, while physical fitness was benchmarked against the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training standards (Decision No. 53/2008/QĐ-BGDĐT). Sensorimotor controls were measured using a T.K.K II-1264 reaction measurement device to determine simple and choice reaction times, alongside proprioceptive acuity. Following the intervention, significant improvements (p<0.05) were observed across nearly all metabolic and fitness parameters. Relative Anaerobic Capacity (RAC) increased by 11.78% in males and 16.60% in females. All six physical fitness components, including the 30m sprint and 5-minute run, showed statistically significant improvements (p<0.05). Psychological endurance classifications shifted positively, with the prevalence of 'Good' and 'Fair' ratings increasing substantially for both genders. Notably, while reaction times decreased significantly, proprioceptive acuity showed a concomitant decrease, illustrating a classic speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT). These findings suggest that Dancesport is a highly effective, multifaceted intervention that enhances both the physiological resilience and neuromuscular coordination of university students, making it a viable alternative to traditional physical education programs.

KEYWORDS
Latin American Dance, Wingate Anaerobic Test, Mental Toughness, Reaction Time, Speed-Accuracy Trade-Off, Proprioception

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Thi-Huong To , Hung-Dung Nguyen , Ngoc-Trung Trinh , "Longitudinal Impact of a Dancesport Intervention on Anaerobic Power, Functional Fitness, and Sensorimotor Integration in Vietnamese University Students: A Physiological and Behavioral Analysis," International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 656 - 664, 2026. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140309.

(b). APA Format:
Thi-Huong To , Hung-Dung Nguyen , Ngoc-Trung Trinh (2026). Longitudinal Impact of a Dancesport Intervention on Anaerobic Power, Functional Fitness, and Sensorimotor Integration in Vietnamese University Students: A Physiological and Behavioral Analysis. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences, 14(3), 656 - 664. DOI: 10.13189/saj.2026.140309.