The Impact of an Adapted Dance Fitness Program on Sport Performance Outcomes

Abstract

The capstone project investigated the effects of a virtual adapted dance fitness program, called DanceFloor Fitness, of the Special Olympics Indiana athletes’ sports performance outcomes. This program was developed and implemented based on the need of having supplemental cardiovascular training that was inclusive, client-centered, and accessible for the Special Olympics Indiana athletes, in order to improve leisure participation and increase social participation. The participants consisted of athletes, or county coordinators, affiliated with Special Olympics Indiana and participated at their own leisure. Participants completed 12 weeks of DanceFloor Fitness classes, held two days a week for 60 minutes each, and reported their fitness progress and program satisfaction via midpoint and pre/post surveys that collected qualitative outcome measurements. Overall, the majority of the athletes reported that DanceFloor Fitness classes helped them become better at their sport(s) and improved their muscular strength, mood, dance skills, communication with teammates, and the ability to make friends. Given the program’s virtual platform, unique curriculum, and specialized population, more research is needed to better understand the impact of an adapted dance fitness program on individuals of all ages, genders, and abilities.