Original scientific paper
Motor Abilities at Belly Dance in Elementary Female Schoolers
Dodi Mihaljević
Ljerka Srhoj
Ratko Katić
Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the relation between motor abilities and belly dance performance in elementary
school fifth- and sixth-grade female students. A battery of 19 motor tests was used in a sample of 96 students twice, i.e. at
the beginning (initial measurement) and at the end (final measurement) of the academic year. On initial measurement,
five factors were isolated by the motor space factor analysis: first factor of muscular-aerobic endurance; second factor integrating
the strength of legs, coordination of foot and hand movement, and agility; third factor integrating explosive
strength of the arms with speed and body coordination; fourth factor defined by flexibility (muscle tone regulation); and
fifth factor integrating explosive strength of legs with equilibrium. On final measurement, five factors were isolated as
well: first factor as a general one integrating coordination abilities, explosive strength of legs and flexibility; second factor
defined by repetitive strength of the trunk and legs; third factor defined by rhythm coordination accompanied by flexibility;
fourth factor predominantly defined by equilibrium (accompanied by explosive strength of throwing type and
speed); and fifth factor predominantly defined by static strength of arms and legs (accompanied by arm movement frequency).
On initial measurement, fourth factor responsible for muscle tone regulation and second factor integrating the
strength of legs, coordination of movement frequency of arms and legs, and agility were found to be the best predictors of
belly dance performance. In this setting, the tests of forward bow (flexibility) and sit-ups (repetitive strength of abdominal
musculature) proved superior in differentiating high performance students and those less successful in belly dance. On
final measurement, third factor named rhythm coordination (accompanied by muscle tone regulation) and second factor
defined by repetitive strength of the trunk and legs were the best predictors of belly dance performance. In this setting, the
tests of rhythm coordination, flexibility tests, tests of repetitive strength of the trunk and legs, and test of aerobic endurance
proved superior in differentiating high performance and less successful students in belly dance.
Keywords
kinesiologic education; belly dance; motor status; elementary school female students
Hrčak ID:
26896
URI
Publication date:
3.9.2007.
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