Energy expenditure and intensity of ritual jumping-dancing in male Maasai.
American journal of human biology : the official journal of the Human Biology Council 2023
Christensen DL, Westgate K, Griffiths L, Sironga J, Maro VP, Helge JW, Larsen S, Bygbjerg IC, Ramaiya KL, Jensen J, Brage S
DOI : 10.1002/ajhb.23907
PubMed ID : 37132455
PMCID :
URL : https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ajhb.23907
Abstract
Traditional jumping-dance rituals performed by Maasai men involve prolonged physical exertion that may contribute significantly to overall physical activity level. We aimed to objectively quantify the metabolic intensity of jumping-dance activity and assess associations with habitual physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).
Twenty Maasai men (18-37 years) from rural Tanzania volunteered to participate in the study. Habitual physical activity was monitored using combined heart rate (HR) and movement sensing over 3 days, and jumping-dance engagement was self-reported. A 1-h jumping-dance session resembling a traditional ritual was organized, during which participants' vertical acceleration and HR were monitored. An incremental, submaximal 8-min step test was performed to calibrate HR to physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) and assess CRF.
Mean (range) habitual PAEE was 60 (37-116) kJ day kg , and CRF was 43 (32-54) mL O min kg . The jumping-dance activity was performed at an absolute HR of 122 (83-169) beats·min , and PAEE of 283 (84-484) J min kg or 42 (18-75)% when expressed relative to CRF. The total PAEE for the session was 17 (range 5-29) kJ kg , ~28% of the daily total. Self-reported engagement in habitual jumping-dance frequency was 3.8 (1-7) sessions/week, with a total duration of 2.1 (0.5-6.0) h/session.
Intensity during traditional jumping-dance activity was moderate, but on average sevenfold higher than habitual physical activity. These rituals are common, and can make a substantial contribution to overall physical activity in Maasai men, and thus be promoted as a culture-specific activity to increase energy expenditure and maintain good health in this population.