Explosive Power of Lower Limbs of Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dancers

Acrobatic rock and roll is dynamic sport dance where explosive power is very important ability.

Aim. The aim of the thesis was to determine and compare the level of explosive power of the lower limbs of acrobatic rock and roll dancers. We assume that dancers from couple categories will reach a significantly higher level of explosive power of the lower limbs than dancers from ladies formations.

Methods. The research sample consisted of 22 acrobatic rock and roll female dancers. To determine the level of explosive power of the lower limbs, we used a 10 s test on a jump ergometer. We used the non-parametric statistical method Mann Whitney U-test for independent files.

Results. The female dancers from couple categories achieved better results in all parameters than dancers from ladies formations. The first examined parameter was the power in the active phase of the take off where the dancers from couples achieved 46.08 ± 5.32 W.kg⁻¹, the dancers from ladies formations reached 38.13 ± 3.63 W.kg⁻¹ (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.64). The second examined parameter was the height of the jump, where dancers from couples achieved 28.91 ± 2.49 cm, dancers from ladies formations reached 25.92 ± 3.21 cm (p ≤ 0.05, r = 0.48). The last examined parameter was the rebound efficiency, where dancers from couples achieved 177.41 ± 25.62 cm.s⁻¹, dancers from ladies formations reached 138.48 ± 15.96 cm.s⁻¹ (p ≤ 0.01, r = 0.65).

Conclusions. In addition to differences in the explosive power of the lower limbs, the results also pointed to the importance of development in all categories. We recommend dancers to include plyometric exercises and repeated rope skipping jumps in the pre-competition and competition period, after completing strength training.