Adherence and Health Effects of Video Dance in Postmenopausal Women

The overall goal is to increase the duration and speed of walking, using structure and supervision for the first three months, followed by reduced support in the second three months. For the first two weeks, each participant comes to the center at least twice a week to walk.They are encouraged to gradually increase effort and duration to a target of 150 minutes per week of brisk walking.Participants are taught to use Borg's ratings of perceived exertion and self-monitored heart rate to target their level of activity. The next 10 weeks include once weekly supervised sessions and additional sessions either at the center or in preferred community settings. The recommended goal is a minimum of 150 minutes per week of exercise in sessions of at least 10 -15 minutes duration.Participants are given pedometers in order to help them monitor their progress. After 12 weeks, the participant enters a transition phase for a further 3 months.

Participants who are randomized to the delayed entry non-exercise control group receive the American Heart Association pamphlet, but no direct support for exercise implementation. After they have completed six months of follow up, they are invited to select any combination of dancing and walking that they prefer and then receive support and instruction according to the protocols described above. \--------------------------------------------------------------------------------