Effect of Character Dance Steps in Turkish Folk Dances on Some Physical Fitness Levels

This research was conducted in öder to examine the effect of character dance steps determined from Kırşehir region dances, which are applied within the folk dance trainings held regularly for eight weeks, on the physical fitness of the athletes. A total of 20 volunteers were included in the sample group of the study (male; n=10, age;11±08, female; n=10 age 11±08). The sample size of the study was determined by Gpower analysis. The effectiveness of the character dance steps determined from the Kırşehir region dances on the physical levels of the participants was the subject of the research. In the experimental research, some physical fitness tests were applied to the participants. In assessing aerobic fitness; Harvard step test is used to evaluate strength; Hand grip test and leg strength test are used to evaluate agility; T test, in measurements of balance performance; Standing Strong and flamingo balance tests. Jump Test was used to evaluate anaerobic power. All data were analyzed in the IBM-SPSS 25 statistical program. The findings obtained in this study; In the trainings conducted with character dance steps determined from the Kırşehir regional dances, significance was observed in the aerobic capacities, strength variables and agility abilities of male and female Folk Dance performance athletes aged 11-14 who were trained at the secondary education level (p < α=0.05). These results showed that the selected character dance steps studies significantly improved physical fitness in the participants.