This study investigates the effects of an 8-week Zumba exercise program on body composition, muscle strength, and balance skills in male and female folk dancers aged 19-25 years. Participants are randomly assigned to either a Zumba exercise group, performing sessions twice a week, or a control group without exercise. The study aims to determine whether Zumba can improve physical fitness and postural control in folk dancers, especially examining any differences between genders.
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the impact of an 8-week aerobic-level Zumba exercise program on body composition, muscle strength, and balance in folk dancers aged 19 to 25 years. Forty-eight participants were randomly assigned into experimental and control groups, with equal numbers of males and females in each. The experimental group participated in 60-minute Zumba sessions twice weekly at predetermined intensity levels, while the control group maintained their usual activities without structured exercise. Outcome measures included body fat percentage, muscle mass ratio, static hand, leg, and back strength, and both static and dynamic balance assessments. The study investigates gender-specific responses to the exercise intervention and seeks to provide evidence on the efficacy of Zumba as a fitness modality for folk dancers.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
48
Participants in the Zumba Exercise group engaged in supervised aerobic dance sessions lasting 60 minutes, twice per week, over an 8-week period. The exercise intensity was set to match aerobic-level activity suitable for improving body composition, muscle strength, and balance. Sessions included warm-up, main Zumba dance routines, and cool-down phases, all conducted by certified instructors.
Participants in this arm did not receive any structured exercise intervention. They continued their usual daily activities throughout the 8-week study period. No physical training or behavioral program was applied.
Bingöl University Physical Education and Sports
Bingöl, Centre, Turkey (Türkiye)
Body Composition
Changes in body fat percentage and muscle mass ratio measured before and after the 8-week intervention using bioelectrical impedance analysis.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Muscle Strength
Assessment of static hand, leg, and back strength before and after the intervention using standardized strength tests.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Balance Skills
Evaluation of static and dynamic balance performance using standardized balance tests pre- and post-intervention.
Time frame: 8 weeks
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