San Diego — A workout using Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is comparable to many other aerobic activities and could result in significant weight loss if used regularly, according to research commissioned by the American Council on Exercise (ACE).
The research from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse focused on quantifying DDR's potential physical benefits by looking at the caloric expenditure data of 24 volunteers.
In the study that was led by researchers John Porcari and Anna Norlin, male and female subjects, ages 12 to 25 years old, were recruited to participate. Half of the volunteers were under the age of 18 and enlisted from the local La Crosse Boys & Girls Club.
Based on the physiological responses to three levels of DDR, all subjects showed an increase in exercise intensity as they participated. Adults burned more calories, which can be attributed to differences in body weight because the adults, on average, were 25 pounds heavier than the teenage subjects. On average, teens burned 5.9 calories a minute on light mode, 6.7 calories a minute on standard mode and 8.1 calories a minute on difficult mode.
All study participants, regardless of their experience with DDR, were required to practice a pre-determined four-song dance sequence for up to six hour-long practice sessions or until they could demonstrate proficiency. Testing included continuously monitoring all participants' oxygen uptake, heart rate and ratings of perceived exertion.