Rationale: Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is a popular activity for people seeking an alternative to traditional cardiorespiratory endurance activities. During DDR, participants mimic dance movements viewed on a video or TV monitor by stepping on a pressure sensitive dance pad. Choreographic options at a variety of intensities are available.

Objective: This study was designed to measure the absolute and relative physiological (Vo₂, HR) and perceptual (RPE) responses to 3 levels of intensity (light, standard, and difficult) of DDR.

Methods: Twenty-four volunteers (12-25 years of age) initially completed a maximal treadmill test. Each subject then practiced all 3 levels of DDR until proficient. Subjects subsequently performed 4 songs at each intensity level (light, standard, difficult) with a 5-minute break between levels. Vo₂, HR, and session RPE were recorded throughout testing.

Results: Absolute and relative intensity of the 3 levels of DDR are presented below.

Conclusion: These data demonstrate that the standard and difficult levels of DDR elicit HR and Vo₂ responses that meet ACSM recommendations for improving cardiorespiratory endurance. Exercising on the light mode is slightly below HR and Vo₂ recommendations, and is probably best suited as a warm-up activity

Table. No caption available.