Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of a 12 week Zumba Fitness® pilot study and temporal changes in components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) among sedentary, obese women with at least two MetS components.

Methods

Participants attended Zumba Fitness® classes twice a week for 12 weeks. Feasibility was measured by recruitment rates, subject retention, and adherence. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure and fasting glucose, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol were measured at baseline and after the 12 week intervention.

Results

Among the 13 female participants, mean age was 52.5 (SD:10.6) years, 77% were ethnic minorities, mean BMI was 34.5 kg/m2 (SD:4.9) and 69.2% met the MetS criteria. Among 35 adults who completed the telephone eligibility screening, 23 (66%) were eligible for a clinic screening visit, 18 of whom met eligibility criteria, 16 (89%) initiated Zumba classes, and 13 (81%) completed the pilot study. Mean attendance was 17 classes, comprising 71% of the total 24 classes. Weight reduced non-significantly by 0.96 kg (P=0.87) while systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 13.63 (P=0.028) and 6.19 mmHg (P=0.03), respectively with no change in anti-hypertensive medication use. Fasting triglycerides decreased by 16.92 mg/dL (P=0.025) with no participants taking niacin or fibrates prior to or during the study. Mean HDL-cholesterol decreased (by 2.85 mg/dL) and fasting glucose increased slightly (by 1.62 mg/dL), but not significantly.

Conclusion

This twelve week Zumba Fitness® intervention showed good feasibility and adherence, with significant reductions in blood pressure and triglyceride levels, despite minimal weight loss.