Resumen

CHACON ARAYA, Yamileth  y  MONCADA JIMENEZ, José. Music intensity levels during an aerobics endurance tournament in Costa Rica. Rev. costarric. salud pública [online]. 2008, vol.17, n.32, pp.45-51. ISSN 1409-1429.

The purpose of the study was to describe noise levels during an aerobics tournament and the potential health implications of noise contamination. Aerobic dance is a worldwide known exercise mode that allows people to practice a physical activity that combines both, music and movement. When music is used in aerobic dance classes people are constantly exposed to the noise produced by high volume of the music. Researchers have studied the incidence of noise to indicate the range of noise permitted in entertainment facilities and fitness centers, and to inform to the population about the hazards of short- and long-term noise exposure on hearing loss. This study took place at the sport facilities of the University of Costa Rica during an aerobics endurance tournament. A RadioShack® (cat. N° 33-2055) noise meter was used to measure noise levels. We found that sound levels for this competition exceeded the permitted 90dB, since these values ranged from 101 to 119 dB during the 120 min duration of the activity. More research in this area is necessary as well as a surveillance system for noise contamination in fitness facilities.

Palabras clave : noise; aerobic dance; acoustic trauma; decibels.

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