Effects of a Latin Dance Competition on Physical and Cognitive Parameters in Elite Dancers

Abstract

The present study focuses on evaluating fatigue induced by a competition simulation in Latin dances, analyzing heart rate, perceived effort, ankle dorsiflexión and changes in executive vigilance. Twelve high-level athletes were evaluated at three different times: 1) familiarization, 2) competition simulation 3) delayed fatigue analysis. The results obtained indicate significant differences in the following cases: greater CMJ post competition simulation (p = .016), linear increase in heart rate during the development of the dance round (p < .0001), differences between perceived effort and heart rate during the round (p < .001), and significant differences were found in dorsiflexion between both legs (p = .005). Likewise, after the simulation there was a significant decrease in errors committed (p = .028). Therefore, it can be observed that fatigue induced by a competition simulation can influence the performance of athletes, affecting cognitive activity and performance.