The effect of hip-hop dance training on motor competence, physical activity, and enjoyment in early adolescent girls

This study addresses the declining physical activity participation among adolescent girls by evaluating the effects of a 14-week structured hip-hop dance intervention on motor competence, physical activity levels, and enjoyment of physical activity. Given that the competitive nature of traditional sports can alienate some students, especially girls, thereby decreasing overall participation and enjoyment, there is a need for culturally relevant and inclusive alternatives like hip-hop dance. This quasi-experimental, pre-test-post-test control group study involved 192 seventh-grade girls (intervention group n = 96, control group n = 96). The intervention group participated in a 14-week hip-hop dance training program with three 90-minute sessions per week, while the control group continued with their regular school curriculum. Motor competence was measured using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Motor Proficiency Test, Second Edition (BOT-2), physical activity levels as daily step counts with pedometers, and enjoyment of physical activity with the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PAES). Baseline equivalence between groups was tested using independent samples t-tests. Repeated measures MANOVA and ANOVA evaluated within- and between-group changes. At baseline, groups were largely equivalent, with small, non-practically significant differences in manual dexterity and running speed & agility. Post-intervention, the dance group showed significant improvements in bilateral coordination (η² = 0.216), balance (η² = 0.147), running speed & agility (η² = 0.048), upper-limb coordination (η² = 0.126), and fine motor integration (η² = 0.032). No notable changes were observed for fine motor precision, manual dexterity, or body strength. Enjoyment increased significantly (η² = 0.027), and daily steps rose markedly (η² = 0.656) in the dance group compared to controls. This study demonstrates that a structured hip-hop dance intervention can significantly enhance motor competence, physical activity levels, and enjoyment of physical activity in adolescent girls. The findings highlight the potential of dance as an inclusive and motivating alternative to traditional physical education approaches. Programs should emphasize cultural relevance, program quality, and teacher training aligned with Self-Determination Theory to sustain benefits. Not applicable.