Time-motion analysis in men's breaking: A longitudinal study

PLoS One. 2023 Oct 19;18(10):e0293131. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293131. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Quantifying the effort of a sport confrontation by determining its temporal structure is of concern to the scientific community. In breaking this has not yet been sufficiently studied. The objectives of the study were to longitudinally analyze the temporal and sequential parameters of male breaking battles to determine the evolution of these parameters and to establish a model of temporal structure. All Red Bull BC One dancers from 2011 to 2021 (n = 152 dancers) participated. By using observational methodology, all battles were analyzed (n = 142). To obtain the results, we employed different analysis techniques: descriptive, normality tests, Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney, one factor ANOVA or Kruskall-Wallis and effect size (Cohen's d or Hedges' g). The significance level established for the study was ρ ≤ 0.05. The results define the temporal and sequential structure of the battles. With these, breaking professionals will be able to develop precise and adequate training for these athletes. We conclude that approaches to dancing and battling have evolved. The effort that the athlete must exert is increasing and will therefore require better preparation to cope with the physical demands required for a sport that will be incorporated into the Olympics program in 2024.

Publication types

  • Observational Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Athletes
  • Dancing*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Men
  • Sports*

Grants and funding

This study was funded by the Ministerio de Cultura y Deporte (https://www.culturaydeporte.gob.es/portada.html), Consejo Superior de Deportes (https://www.csd.gob.es/es) and European Union (https://european-union.europa.eu/index_es) under Project “Integración entre datos observacionales y datos provenientes de sensores externos: Evolución del software LINCE PLUS y desarrollo de la aplicación móvil para la optimización del deporte y la actividad física beneficiosa para la salud (2023)” EXP_74847 to AGS and IPL. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.