Metabolic Equivalent Determination in the Cultural Dance of Hula

Abstract

Ethnic minorities share an unequal burden of cardiometabolic syndrome. Physical activity (PA) has been shown as an important factor to improve the health outcomes of these diseases. Metabolic equivalents (METs) have been calculated for diverse activities; however, most cultural activities have not been evaluated. Hula, the traditional dance of Native Hawaiians, is practiced by men and women of all ages but its MET value is unknown. To our knowledge, this is the first scientific evaluation of energy expenditure of hula. Nineteen competitive hula dancers performed two dance sets of low and high intensity hula. METs were measured with a portable indirect calorimetry device. Mean and standard deviations were calculated for all the variables. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to identify differences for gender and intensity. The mean MET were 5.7 (range 3.17 – 9.77) and 7.55 (range 4.43 – 12.0) for low intensity and high intensity, respectively. There was a significant difference between intensities and no significant difference between genders. This study demonstrates the energy expenditure of both low and high intensity hula met the recommended guidelines for moderate and vigorous intensity exercise, respectively and that hula can be utilized as a prescribed PA.

Cultural Dance Program Improves Hypertension Management for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders: a Pilot Randomized Trial

“…As previously discussed, hula was found to achieve the METs expected of a moderate (5.7) to vigorous intensity (7.6) exercise and thus hypothesized to have benefits for hypertension management for NHPI [ 29 ]. The finding of our study supports this notion that hula, coupled with hypertension self-care education, can be effectively used for hypertension management among NHPI.…”

“…Hula has been found to be suitable as a form of physical activity with metabolic equivalents (METs) of 5.7 (range 3.17–9.77) and 7.55 (range 4.43–12.0) for moderate-intensity and high-intensity physical activity, respectively [ 29 ]. METs ranging from 3.0 to 6.0 (i.e., expends 3.5 to 7 kcal/min) are indicative of moderate physical activity while greater than 6.0 (i.e., expends >7 kcal/min) are indicative of vigorous physical activity [ 30 ].…”

Qualitative study on voyaging and health: perspectives and insights from the medical officers during the Worldwide Voyage

“…Working collaboratively, hula experts and scientists determined that the practice of hula expended 5.7-7.6 METs (metabolic equivalents of physical exertion) under standardised measurements. 32 That is, the physical exertion of hula was similar to a halfcourt game of basketball (MET-value 7.6 METs). 32 In a companion experimental study, the authors also found that a hula intervention programme significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure providing preliminary results on the positive impact of hula on CVD risk factors that may benefit the larger NHPI population at increased risk.…”

“…32 That is, the physical exertion of hula was similar to a halfcourt game of basketball (MET-value 7.6 METs). 32 In a companion experimental study, the authors also found that a hula intervention programme significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure providing preliminary results on the positive impact of hula on CVD risk factors that may benefit the larger NHPI population at increased risk. 33 Within this context, Polynesian ocean voyaging is also a cultural-based, physical activity and involves open-ocean sailing aboard traditional, double-hulled canoes powered only by natural forces (wind and waves), and using only noninstrument navigation.…”

Culturally responsive approaches to health promotion for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders

“…Nineteen elite hula dancers were recruited to determine the MET values for various forms, intensities, and styles of hula measured with a portable indirect calorimetry device (Usagawa et al 2014). It was found that the mean MET were 5.7 (range 3.17–9.77) and 7.55 (range 4.43–12.0) for low-intensity and high-intensity hula, respectively, which met national guidelines for recommended exercise levels.…”