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This study aimed to compare the effects of Zumba and Pilates training on functional performance, mood, and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women. Fifty-four postmenopausal women, aged 55–65, were randomly allocated to a control group (CG), a Pilates group (PG), or a Zumba group (ZG). Functional performance factors, in terms of walking speed, lower body muscle strength, dynamic balance, and functional mobility, as well as mood and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), were assessed before and after the intervention period. As results, both training modalities significantly improved the walking speed (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), strength (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.05)), dynamic balance (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), and functional mobility (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), as well as mood (PG (p < 0.01)/ZG (p < 0.001)). Additionally, both intervention programs significantly improved their HRQol [physical function (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)) domain and SF36 total scores (PG (p < 0.01)/ZG (p < 0.001))] with better performance following Zumba training. However, the domains of social function (p < 0.001), mental health (p < 0.001), and role limitation due to emotional problems (p < 0.05) significantly enhanced only for the ZG. In conclusion, Pilates or Zumba training appears to be an ideal exercise for promoting functional performance, mood, and HRQoL in postmenopausal women. However, Zumba training seems to be more effective, resulting in optimal scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zumba shares similarities with other aerobic exercises such as dancing and cycling, as it enhances cardiovascular health and facilitates calorie burning. However, what distinguishes Zumba is its emphasis on enjoyment and the incorporation of dance movements from various music genres. This form of aerobic exercise involves sustained moderate to high-intensity activity without excessive fatigue. It strengthens the heart muscle and promotes efficient blood circulation. Furthermore, aerobics can effectively reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. This positive effect is attributed to the improvement of blood vessel function, facilitating better blood flow and alleviating strain on the heart. Regular aerobic exercise also contributes to weight loss, which further aids in lowering blood pressure. Nevertheless, the impact of Zumba on VO2max ability remains to be explored. In this study, a pre-experimental design was employed, involving one-hour Zumba sessions conducted over eight weeks, comprising approximately 12 tracks prepared by the instructor. The study sample consisted of 30 participants engaged in Zumba classes. Prior to Zumba, the Jackson non-exercise test formula was employed to assess VO2max fitness. Post-Zumba, the 1-mile jog test formula was utilized to measure VO2max fitness. The study findings indicate a significant increase in the mean VO2max value after treatment, compared to the lower mean value observed before treatment. Specifically, the mean value of VO2max increased from 38.46 ml/kg/minute before treatment to 47.83 ml/kg/minute after treatment. These results suggest that Zumba exercise enhances aerobic fitness by positively impacting cardiovascular biological mechanisms in young women during the transition to the new normal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the effects of Zumba and Pilates training on functional performance, mood, and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women. Fifty-four postmenopausal women, aged 55–65, were randomly allocated to a control group (CG), a Pilates group (PG), or a Zumba group (ZG). Functional performance factors, in terms of walking speed, lower body muscle strength, dynamic balance, and functional mobility, as well as mood and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), were assessed before and after the intervention period. As results, both training modalities significantly improved the walking speed (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), strength (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.05)), dynamic balance (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), and functional mobility (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)), as well as mood (PG (p < 0.01)/ZG (p < 0.001)). Additionally, both intervention programs significantly improved their HRQol [physical function (PG (p < 0.001)/ZG (p < 0.001)) domain and SF36 total scores (PG (p < 0.01)/ZG (p < 0.001))] with better performance following Zumba training. However, the domains of social function (p < 0.001), mental health (p < 0.001), and role limitation due to emotional problems (p < 0.05) significantly enhanced only for the ZG. In conclusion, Pilates or Zumba training appears to be an ideal exercise for promoting functional performance, mood, and HRQoL in postmenopausal women. However, Zumba training seems to be more effective, resulting in optimal scores.

Zumba shares similarities with other aerobic exercises such as dancing and cycling, as it enhances cardiovascular health and facilitates calorie burning. However, what distinguishes Zumba is its emphasis on enjoyment and the incorporation of dance movements from various music genres. This form of aerobic exercise involves sustained moderate to high-intensity activity without excessive fatigue. It strengthens the heart muscle and promotes efficient blood circulation. Furthermore, aerobics can effectively reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. This positive effect is attributed to the improvement of blood vessel function, facilitating better blood flow and alleviating strain on the heart. Regular aerobic exercise also contributes to weight loss, which further aids in lowering blood pressure. Nevertheless, the impact of Zumba on VO2 max ability remains to be explored. In this study, a pre-experimental design was employed, involving one-hour Zumba sessions conducted over eight weeks, comprising approximately 12 tracks prepared by the instructor. The study sample consisted of 30 participants engaged in Zumba classes. Prior to Zumba, the Jackson non-exercise test formula was employed to assess VO2 max fitness. Post-Zumba, the 1-mile jog test formula was utilized to measure VO2 max fitness. The study findings indicate a significant increase in the mean VO2max value after treatment, compared to the lower mean value observed before treatment. Specifically, the mean value of VO2max increased from 38.46 ml/kg/minute before treatment to 47.83 ml/kg/minute after treatment. These results suggest that Zumba exercise enhances aerobic fitness by positively impacting cardiovascular biological mechanisms in young women during the transition to the new normal period.

Introduction: Sedentary lifestyle is one of the factors that increase obesity. Zumba exercise has a positive effect on body composition and rate of calorie burn and also improve people's cardiovascular endurance. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of 8-week selected Zumba fitness trainings on the body composition of overweight women. Materials and methods: Twenty-nine volunteer women participating in Zumba fitness exercises at Artay Club (branch 2), were selected as the statistical sample and divided into two groups: experimental group (16 participants) and control group (13 participants). The experimental group practiced Zumba for three one-hour sessions a week for eight weeks while the control group only did their daily activities. The participants' body composition was initially measured at the beginning of the study, and once at the end of the eighth week by means of the body composition evaluator. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, independent and dependent t- tests were used for statistical analysis of data (α=0/05). Results: The results showed that the 8-week Zumba fitness training had a significant effect on decreasing women's body fat percentage (p=0.001); body mass index (p=0.001); fat mass (p=0.001); and waistto- hip ratio (p=0.004). However, it had no significant effect on protein mass in overweight women (p=0.92). Conclusion: Based on the findings, eight weeks of Zumba exercise can improve body composition in overweight women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]