Low Impact Aerobic Dance as a Useful Exercise Mode for Reducing Body Mass in Mildly Obese Middle-Aged Women.

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a low impact aerobic dance is a useful exercise mode for weight loss in obese middle-aged women. Sixty Japanese women, aged 50.9 ± 6.7 years (initial %fat = 35.2 ± 5.3%), participated in our 3-month weight-loss program consisting of diet and exercise prescription. To compare the effectiveness of exercise modes, the subjects were divided into the following two groups: aerobic dance group and jogging and/or cycling group. As a result, body mass ( 3.1 and 3.3 kg respectively) and %fat ( 6.1 and 5.3% respectively) significantly decreased (P<0.05) in both groups, while fat-free mass remained essentially unchanged. Aerobic power such as maximal oxygen uptake and oxygen uptake corresponding to lactate threshold significantly increased (P<0.05) in both groups. Significant differences in the alterations of these variables between groups could not be seen. The data of this study indicates that our weightloss program with a low impact aerobic dance is as useful as jogging or cycling in improving body composition and aerobic power for mildly obese middle-aged women.

Culturally Specific Dance to Reduce Obesity in African American Women

“…Other dance studies reported decreased body fat and BMI in sedentary, obese women who danced two to three times per week for 12 weeks (Shimamoto et al, 1998) and for 16 weeks (Gillett et al, 1996). …”

“…Culturally specific dance, a type of moderate intensity physical activity, may be one way to combat the overweight and obesity epidemic. Studies show that participation in culturally specific dance programs decreased weight (White et al, 1984), decreased body fat (Gillett, White, & Casetra, 1996), and reduced BMI (Shimamoto, Adachi, Takahaski, & Tanaka, 1998); however, none of these studies included African American women. Culturally specific dance may be an effective intervention to combat obesity and reduce negative health outcomes common in African American women.…”

Health-Related Physical Fitness Benefits in Sedentary Women Employees after an Exercise Intervention with Zumba Fitness®

“…It is also an activity recommended in the recent Global Action Plan On Physical Activity 2018-2030 established by WHO [16]. In addition, substantial benefits of dancing activities on physiologic, endocrine, cognitive, and psychological levels have previously been disclosed [17][18][19][20][21][22]. Thus, it is indispensable to promote strategies based on novel and attractive activities, such as dancing, for increasing physical activity and assuring adherence and self-efficacy in physical activity patterns in women.…”

Self-Efficacy and Social Support as Mediators Between Culturally Specific Dance and Lifestyle Physical Activity

“…It is essential that culturally specific dance interventions be consistent with the shared beliefs, values, and practices of the specific culture (USDHHS, 2000), as it is the cultural and daily experiences that deeply influence how people choose their health behaviors (Eyler, Baker, Cromer, & King, 1998). Studies show that participation in culturally specific dance programs can decrease body weight (White et al, 1984), decrease body fat (Gillett, White, & Casetra, 1996), reduce body mass index (Shimamoto, Adachi, Takahashi, & Tanaka, 1998), decrease falls (Shigematsu et al, 2002), and increase bone mineral density (Kudlacek, Pietschmann, Bernecker, Resch, & Willvonseder, 1997); however, none of these studies included African American women.…”