The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether Waltz dance can improve cardiometabolic and bone health in sedentary women aged 45-65 with abnormal lipid levels. The main questions it aims to answer are: Can Waltz dance improve blood lipid profiles, including total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C? Can it improve body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, vascular function, and bone mineral density? Researchers will compare a Waltz dance group with a control group that maintains their usual lifestyle to see if the dance intervention leads to better health outcomes. Participants will: Attend supervised Waltz dance classes three times a week for 12 weeks, each session lasting 105 minutes. Complete physical tests and blood draws before and after the program to measure changes in lipid levels, body composition, fitness, and bone density. Wear an accelerometer to monitor energy expenditure and physical activity during the program.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
Participants in this arm will receive a structured Waltz dance intervention as moderate-intensity aerobic exercise. The program consists of 3 supervised sessions per week for 12 weeks, each lasting 105 minutes. Each session includes a 5-minute warm-up, 50 minutes of solo and partner Waltz practice, a 5-minute rest, 40 minutes of choreographed combinations, and a 5-minute cool-down. The dance routines are progressive and designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, coordination, and balance. Exercise intensity is maintained at 50-70% of estimated maximum heart rate, with music tempo and movement complexity adjusted as needed. Physical activity is monitored using accelerometers to ensure target intensity is achieved.
Total Cholesterol (TC) Level
Total cholesterol (TC) levels will be measured using fasting venous blood samples collected at baseline and after 12 weeks of intervention. Blood will be drawn in the morning after at least 8 hours of fasting. Serum will be analyzed in a certified laboratory using standard enzymatic colorimetric assays. TC is expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Elevated TC is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Changes from baseline to post-intervention will be calculated.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Triglycerides (TG) Level
Triglyceride (TG) levels will be assessed through fasting blood samples taken before and after the 12-week intervention. Samples will be processed using standardized laboratory techniques. TG is measured in mg/dL and high levels are associated with increased risk for metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. This outcome measures the change in TG levels between baseline and the end of the study.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) Level
HDL-C will be measured in serum obtained from fasting venous blood samples collected at baseline and 12 weeks. HDL-C is commonly known as "good" cholesterol due to its protective effect against cardiovascular disease. Standard enzymatic methods will be used for quantification. The change in HDL-C from baseline to post-intervention will be analyzed.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) Level
LDL-C will be measured from fasting blood samples collected at the beginning and end of the 12-week intervention. LDL-C, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, is a key risk factor for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The value will be determined using direct measurement or calculation by the Friedewald formula. Results will be reported in mg/dL, and changes from baseline to week 12 will be evaluated.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure and Pulse Pressure (mmHg)
Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP = SBP - DBP) will be measured using an automated upper-arm blood pressure monitor (e.g., Omron HEM-7136). Participants will rest quietly in a seated position for at least 5 minutes before three measurements are taken on the right arm. The average of the three readings will be recorded.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Pulse Wave Velocity (m/s)
Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness and vascular function, will be measured using a validated device (e.g., Complior Analyse). Measurements will be taken while participants are in the supine position after 10 minutes of rest. Higher values indicate increased arterial stiffness.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI)
ABI is calculated as the ratio of the systolic blood pressure at the ankle (posterior tibial artery) to that in the arm (brachial artery), using a handheld Doppler ultrasound device. Measurements will be taken bilaterally (left and right sides), and the lower of the two values will be used for analysis. ABI values typically range from 0.00 to 2.00, with higher scores indicating better arterial perfusion. Values below 0.90 may indicate peripheral arterial disease (PAD), while values above 1.30 may suggest arterial stiffness or calcification.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Cardiorespiratory Fitness - Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max)
VO2max will be assessed via a graded exercise treadmill test using the Bruce protocol. Participants will wear a metabolic analyzer (e.g., Cortex MetaLyzer 3B) to measure oxygen consumption. The highest VO2 achieved before exhaustion will be recorded.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks
Peak Exercise Heart Rate (bpm)
Heart rate at maximal effort during the Bruce treadmill test will be continuously monitored using a chest-worn heart rate monitor (e.g., Polar H10). The peak value during the test will be used for analysis.
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Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 12 weeks