Effect of Aerobic Dance on the Body Fat Distribution and Cardiovascular Endurance in Middle Aged Women

Dance aerobics is a popular means of exercise in the urban population. This study evaluates effect of Dance Aerobics on cardiovascular endurance and body fat percentage in middle aged women. To ensure uniformity in the findings, Cooper Protocol, a standardised protocol for dance aerobics was followed, ensuring optimal exercise intensity and minimal musculotendinous damage. 120 middle aged women divided in two groups were examined for VO2max and body fat percentage .Group I comprised 60 women engaged in regular aerobic dance sessions, since 6 months. Group II did not engage in any exertional physical activity. Unpaired t test was used. p= 0.001 considered significant. Aerobic dancers exhibited i) no significant difference in VO2max (p=0.00201) ii) lower fat percentage (p= 0.01462), indicating aerobics is highly effective in weightloss, but effects on cardiovascular endurance are not pronounced. Increasing intensity of existing protocol to achieve increased VO2max may hasten musculotendinous damage. This should be considered before an individual selects aerobic dancing as fitness activity.