Physiological load associated with a Zumba (R) fitness workout: a comparison pilot study between classes and a DVD

摘要

The objectives were to compare the metabolic load elicited by Zumba ((R)) classes and DVD workouts and link the physiological responses to participants' psychological characteristics. Fifteen women ( 25.4 +/- 4.3 years old; 164.9 +/- 5.1 cm; 56.9 +/- 5.8 kg; 23.9 +/- 4.9% body fat) performed three Zumba((R)) classes and three Zumba((R)) DVD workouts using a repeated measure design. Energy expenditure was assessed by extrapolating oxygen cost from heart rate ( HR) using regressions from a preliminary incremental running test. Differences between Zumba((R)) classes and Zumba((R)) DVD workouts were assessed by Student's T tests and repeated measures analysis of variance and correlations between physiological and psychological variables by the Pearson's coefficient. Results showed that Zumba((R)) classes allowed greater energy expenditure compared to Zumba((R)) DVD workouts ( 6.8 +/- 0.9 vs 5.6 +/- 0.9 kcal center dot min- 1, 95% confidence interval ( CI) limits: 0.3- 2.1, P = 0.016), with significant differences in the time spent with a HR above 85% of HR reserve ( 14.7 vs 1.7%, 95% CI: 5.6- 20.4, P = 0.021). Furthermore, women with a greater autonomy score showed a smaller difference between DVD and class ( r = 0.511, P = 0.048), while greater differences were shown in women with greater interpersonal skills ( r = - 0.563, P = 0.028). The results suggest that while both types of workouts are suitable to maintain fitness Zumba r classes allow greater energy expenditure.