Implementation Of Physical Activity Programs Research Articles

Quality of life and physical activity levels among colorectal cancer patients: An observational study.

This study investigated the influence of physical activity on the quality of life of patients with postsurgical colorectal cancer in Jordan. A total of 108 colorectal cancer patients aged ≥18 years who underwent surgery at the King Hussein Cancer Center participated voluntarily. The exclusion criteria were severe comorbidities, absolute contraindications to physical activity, and concurrent cancers. Data collection involved phone interviews using The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire due to coronavirus disease 2019 restrictions. Significant positive differences in the quality of life subcategory "physical score" were observed between active and less active patients, favoring the active group. However, no significant differences were found in the impact of physical roles on quality of life between active and less active patients. Participation in physical activity is associated with enhanced physical function in both active and less active colorectal cancer patients. We recommend the implementation of physical activity programs and clinics at King Hussein Cancer Center. Future experimental studies assessing the impact of tailored physical activity training on quality of life are warranted.

Barriers and supportive factors in engaging cancer patients in physical activity programmes - a literature review.

Regardless of cancer type or stage of treatment, physical activity (PA) has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and death. It is associated with a range of positive effects on patients' physical and psychological well-being, particularly in the areas of aerobic fitness, fatigue, mental health and perceived overall quality of life. However, in current oncology practice, the combination of its indication with treatment is still relatively rare. At the same time, cancer patients' participation in regular physical activity is usually very low. However, as PA is an effective method to support cancer treatment and plays an important role in prevention, it is necessary to find effective strategies to involve patients more widely in physical activities. To this end, physical activity programmes organised directly by facilities providing comprehensive cancer care appear to be very suitable. This literature review maps the main barriers and facilitators to cancer patients' participation in physical activity programmes. In particular, economic factors related to health policy, reflected in the availability of this type of supportive care for patients, the level of health literacy, the organization of PA programs, health care providers - both physicians and health care workers, social support and intrapsychic influences on the part of patients play a major role. Since the implementation of physical activity programmes into the existing cancer care system is a rather challenging process, the paper also deals with the possibilities of using the Health Belief Model. In the given context, this model allows the prediction and identification of barriers and supportive factors to patients' involvement in PA programs in order to maximize their effectiveness and adapt them to the needs of patients and, at the same time, to the capabilities of a specific medical facility.

Investigating the socio-ecological model factors influencing physical activity and health promotion among early adolescents in the southern parts of Ethiopia

Background: Currently the increased level of physical inactivity and lack of attention to health initiatives in educational settings is a hot issue in Ethiopia and worldwide. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate socio-ecological model factors hindering the promotion of school physical activity programs among early adolescents in the Gamo Zone primary schools, in the southern part of Ethiopia. Methods: The study conducted a mixed-method design to explore the roles and perspectives of stakeholders, using semi-structured interviews. Then, Thematic analysis and IBM SPSS (ver. 26) were used to analyze the data. Participants: The study purposely involved 20 respondents, aged 40.60±7.90 SD with a work experience year of 14.5±7.714 SD from in and out of schools. Results: The study found that physical activity is crucial medicine to prevent non-communicable diseases, and enhance overall health opportunities, and academic performance in school-aged early adolescents. However, issues such as inadequate physical education curriculum, lack of qualified teachers, and lack of facilities hindered the implementation of physical activity programs in the Gamo zone primary schools. Recommendation: The study put forward that collaboration of stakeholders and the school community should be a key strategy to boost physical activity in school settings. Also, further research is needed on different research methods to examine obstacles to school health initiatives.

Contextual Factors Influencing the Adoption of Physical Activity Direct Education and Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Initiatives by Virginia EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Staff

ObjectiveTo explore factors influencing the adoption of direct education programs and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change initiatives focused on physical activity for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible audiences by Virginia Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) staff. MethodsOnline survey with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and SNAP-Ed peer (paraprofessional) educators (n = 28) and SNAP-Ed agents (master of science level) (n = 9) in Virginia. Descriptive statistics were computed for sociodemographic characteristics and responses to questions on the basis of Likert-type scales. Exploratory factor analyses were run to identify the underlying structures of the different variables. ResultsThe main factors for peer educators were related to substituting nutrition programs or content for physical activity programs. Other factors included staff qualifications and expectations about leading vs teaching physical activities. For PSEs, the top factors were the capacity to reach many community members, attract new partners and stakeholders, and personal interest in the PSE. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results provide insight into potential barriers and motivators for adopting physical activity education and PSEs within community-based initiatives and can be used to inform program planning and staff training. Additional research is warranted to examine other factors influencing the adoption and implementation of physical activity programs and PSEs.

S15-1 Health-enhancing physical activity: does an active body make an active brain?

Abstract The cognitive health of older adults has become an increasingly important topic as the world's population continues to age. This symposium discusses the latest research and best practices for promoting and maintaining cognitive health in older adults, with an emphasis on the role of physical activity. Four expert presentations will delve into various aspects of this complex topic. The first presentation will provide a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature about the link between lifestyle and cognition. The second presentation will present cross-sectional findings on the relationship between 24-hour movement behaviours and cognition in adults aged 55 years and above. The third presentation will present the effects and process evaluation of a cognitively enriched walking program for older adults, focusing on the challenges of research in real-life settings. The final presentation will highlight the impact of a combined physical and cognitive activity program on executive function and walking speed in adults aged 70-85 years. The bibliometric analysis and cross-sectional findings will provide a broad overview of the current state of research in this area, while the intervention studies will offer practical insights into the design and implementation of physical activity programs that target cognitive health in older adults. This symposium is a valuable opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and policy makers to learn about the latest developments in this field and discuss the future direction of research and policy.

S6-5 Tool for supporting implementation of physical activity programs among older adults: from science to practice

Abstract Aim Research shows that professionals in healthcare and social work are crucial for reaching older adults but often do not refer them to local PA programs. Multidisciplinary collaboration, including sports professionals, is challenging. In The Netherlands interlocal differences in collaboration are large due to influence of local policy. Our aim was to develop a tool which makes referral of older clients to PA groups efficient and effective. Methods For input on contents of the tool we used a sounding board group, with representatives of three groups of professionals: physician assistant of the general practitioner, geriatrics physical therapist, and neighbourhood sports coach (NSC; connecting sports sector with other sectors like healthcare). During meetings we discussed which type and contents would help to improve collaboration and referral. We subsequently built an online tool and asked feedback on design and contents. Result The professionals stated that not knowing each other, unfamiliarity with each other’s role and with suitable local PA programs, are barriers for referring to PA programs and facilities. The developed generic tool describes referral procedures for four different groups of community-dwelling older people, ranging from vital to vulnerable. Basically one starts with screening on quantitative PA behaviour, motives and barriers, and leads the person directly or through an intermediate professional to suitable PA. In addition it includes general information on health effects of PA, screening methods, general PA possibilities and roles of different professionals in the referral process. For use in the local setting the tool has to be tailored, generally by the NSC, but with involvement of local organisations. Tailoring means that contact information of local professionals and organisations, local PA groups, and specific local agreements on collaboration are added. Conclusion Healthcare and social workers generally don’t refer older inactive older adults to suitable PA groups because they lack insight into local PA programs, and don’t know the relevant professionals. Since the tool makes this information visible at the local level, this will lower the threshold to refer clients adequately to PA.

A Tablet-Based App to Support Nursing Home Staff in Delivering an Individualized Cognitive and Physical Exercise Program for Individuals With Dementia: Mixed Methods Usability Study.

The promotion of physical activity in individuals with dementia living in nursing homes is crucial for preserving physical and cognitive functions and the associated quality of life. Nevertheless, the implementation of physical activity programs in this setting is challenging, as the time and expertise of nursing home staff are limited. This situation was further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile health apps may be a sustainable approach to overcome these challenges in the long term. Therefore, the Individualized Cognitive and Physical Exercise-App (the InCoPE-App) was developed to support nursing home staff in delivering and implementing tailored cognitive and physical exercise training for individuals with dementia. This study aims to assess the usability of the InCoPE-App in terms of user performance and user perception in a laboratory setting using a mixed methods approach. Nursing home staff were encouraged to perform 5 basic tasks within the InCoPE-App. Their thoughts while using the app were captured by implementing a think aloud protocol. Then, participants completed the System Usability Scale questionnaire. The think aloud transcripts were qualitatively evaluated to unveil usability issues. All identified issues were rated in terms of their necessity to be fixed. Task completion (ie, success rate and time) and perceived usability were evaluated descriptively. A total of 14 nursing home employees (mean age 53.7, SD 10.6 years; n=13, 93% women) participated in the study. The perceived usability of the InCoPE-App, as assessed by the System Usability Scale questionnaire, can be rated as "good." The main usability issues concerned navigation logic and comprehensibility of app content. The InCoPE-App is a user-friendly app that enables nursing home staff to deliver and implement cognitive and physical exercise training for individuals with dementia in nursing homes. The InCoPE-App can be used with little training, even by people aged ≥50 years, who may have low digital literacy. To achieve sustainable use and high user satisfaction of the InCoPE-App in the long term, it should be implemented and evaluated in a field study.

Physical activity in the workplace: a cost or a benefit for organizations? A systematic review

PurposeMost adults do not follow the minimum requirements for physical activity despite the benefits such activity can provide toward improving quality of life. On average, an adult spends 60% of daily hours in the workplace, making it essential to create working environments that are favorable to avoiding harmful effects on the health of workers. Toward this end, the application of physical activity programs in a work context is one of the possible interventions. This study aims to carry out a systematic review of the literature to identify the impact of physical activity programs applied in the workplace, on employee wellness and organizational productivity.Design/methodology/approachThe search for reports was carried out in two databases, namely, Thomson Reuters Web of Science and Scopus, according to several inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) was applied to ensure the quality of the study. Microsoft Excel 2016 was used to organize the database to support the data analysis.FindingsThe sample comprised 64 reports published in international journals between 1986 and 2019. From these studies, six thematic clusters were formed: Workplace Physical Activity Interventions, Workplace Wellness, Physical Activity and Organizational Performance, Barriers to Developing Physical Activity Programs in the Workplace, Physical Activity and Sedentary Occupations and Workplace Physical Activity Incentives. The analysis of these clusters confirmed that the implementation of physical activity programs in this context could represent beneficial effects for workers and the organizational system by contributing to a reduction in the rates of absenteeism and presenteeism. However, there are still many organizations that do not implement such programs.Originality/valueThe results of this study are essential for managers of organizations to be able to implement physical activity programs in a work context, similarly to the application of a strategy of corporate social responsibility in an intra-organizational environment. This research may also be useful for professionals in the areas of sports and physical exercise, who want to build their business around physical exercise programs applied to a work context.

Association of Physical Educators' Socialization Experiences and Confidence with Respect to Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program Implementation.

Comprehensive school physical activity programs (CSPAPs) are recommended to support physical education (PE) and increase the amount of physical activity (PA) youth receive each day. However, adoption of CSPAPs in the United States is low. PE teachers are well positioned to lead the implementation of CSPAPs, but research is needed to better understand (a) PE teachers’ confidence to assume the multiple roles involved with CSPAP implementation and (b) the factors that are associated with such confidence. This study examined PE teachers’ role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) as a measure of PE teachers’ CSPAP-related confidence and its association with seminal life experiences as framed within teacher socialization theory. A survey was emailed to a stratified-random sample of 2976 PE teachers and distributed on social media, garnering a total of 259 responses. Exploratory structural equation modeling supported a three-factor solution for teacher socialization variables (acculturation, professional socialization and organizational socialization), in line with the theoretical framework, and a single factor solution for RBSE. Professional socialization and organizational socialization were significant predictors of RBSE, and qualitative data from open-ended survey questions supported these relationships. The results highlight the importance of preservice teacher education and current employment contexts in PE teachers’ CSPAP-related confidence.

Exploring the voices of health promotion stakeholders concerning the implementation of physical activity programs for the social and emotional wellbeing of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls

Physical activity and sport programs have been promoted as a strength-based way to enhance social and emotional wellbeing in young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. However, there is limited evidence that describes how these programs may be tailored for girls. Semi‐structured interviews with health promotion stakeholders (N = 11) explored organizational perceptions of the needs and preferences of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls in relation to physical activity and social and emotional wellbeing. Interviews also investigated best practice approaches for implementing holistic health programs for the population. Thematic analysis revealed two overarching themes: (1) Perceived physical activity and health service needs, preferences and behaviours and (2) Best practice engagement strategies and associated challenges. A need for culturally safe, youth-friendly services was emphasized, where physical activity and sport may play an influential role. Program development recommendations included focussing upon health literacy, utilizing co-design and creating culturally secure, fun environments.

Implementation of Physical Activity Programs for Rural Cancer Survivors: Challenges and Opportunities.

Physical activity after cancer diagnosis has been consistently associated with improvements in quality of life and prognosis. However, few cancer survivors meet physical activity recommendations, and adherence is even lower among those living in rural settings. The purpose of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the implementation of a clinic-based physical activity program for cancer survivors at a rural community oncology setting. We also examined changes in quality-of-life measures among 24 cancer survivors participating in the physical activity program and described challenges and opportunities to optimize future implementation efforts in rural settings. Significant pre- to post-program improvements in fatigue (5.5 to 6.8; p = 0.03), constipation (7.7 to 9.0; p = 0.02), pain (6.7 to 8.0; p = 0.007), and sleep quality (p = 0.008) were observed. Participants also reported improved nausea, stamina, depression, stress, and overall physical health after participation in the physical activity program, although the differences were not statistically significant (all p-values > 0.13). However, the reach of the physical activity program was limited, with only 0.59% of cancer survivors participating. Fidelity to the physical activity program was relatively high, with 72.7% of survivors participating in at least five classes. Our findings suggest that physical activity programs in oncological settings may need tailoring to effectively reach rural cancer survivors.

Health Educator Participation in Virtual Micro-Credentialing Increases Physical Activity in Public Health Competencies.

Background: Physical activity is an important component of leading a healthy life. Public health is one of the nine major sectors for disseminating information about physical activity and increasing the physical activity of the general public.Purpose: Increase competency among Cooperative Extension agents (i.e., public health workers) on selecting, delivering, and evaluating physical activity programs through a theory-based online training program.Methods: Cooperative Extension agents from two states were invited to participate via statewide listservs. Participants were invited to attend sessions, complete competency checks, and between-session assignments each week. The study was conducted using a video conferencing platform. The intervention was 9 weeks from June to July 2020 and had 130 participants. Pre- and post-program surveys included physical activity competencies and validated scales for flourishing and physical activity status. Data for competencies pre and post were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test, p < 0.01. Physical activity and flourishing pre and post were compared using t-tests, p < 0.05.Results: Physical activity in public health competency increased significantly (p < 0.00) as did agents' personal physical activity levels (p < 0.05). Changes in flourishing were not significant (p < 0.09) but trended in the hypothesized direction.Conclusions: The online competency-based training program significantly improved Cooperative Extension agents' knowledge of physical activity guidelines and physical activity program implementation. Future work is needed related to the scalability of the training program.

Empowering the future generation of teachers to promote optimal academic outcomes through physical activity: Transform-Ed!

Objective: The physical activity levels of children in Australia are critically low and correlate with reduced academic achievement and poor health outcomes. Schools provide an ideal setting for physical activity interventions to help children move more. However, a lack of time and teacher overload are consistently mentioned as barriers to the sustained implementation of physical activity programs by teachers in schools. We know the quality of initial or pre-service teacher education has a significant impact on learning and teaching outcomes more broadly, but little is known about the implementation and effectiveness of embedding physical activity interventions in initial teacher education. Transform- Ed! is a novel active pedagogy intervention embedded in initial teacher education. It equips future teachers with innovative strategies to promote optimal academic outcomes through meaningful physical activity in the classroom. Framed by implementation science, this research investigated the reach, effectiveness, adoption, adaption, implementation and maintenance of the Transform-Ed! program, when embedded within the first year of an Australian Bachelor of Education (Primary) degree. A further aim was to provide guidance for the scale-up of the program. Methods: Pre/post surveys and post-program interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with key stakeholders (n = 5), lecturers (n = 6), and pre-service teachers (n = 274) involved in the 12-week Transform-Ed! program. The design, implementation, and evaluation of the study were systematically guided by all five dimensions of the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) framework. Linear mixed models, descriptive analysis and a framework approach were used to analyse the data. Results: Significant improvements were observed in pre-service teachers’ willingness, confidence, and competence to implement physically active pedagogic strategies following the intervention. Significant improvements were noted in pre-service teacher confidence and competence in the delivery of such strategies and their perceived effectiveness on student outcomes, while perceived barriers decreased. High adherence was consistently reported and the program was maintained after completion of the implementation trial. Four key themes spanning multiple dimensions and participant levels informed recommendations for program scalability: an “inter-systemic approach”, a “co-design” approach, “embedded in professional practice”, and “evidence of impact” on teacher practice. Discussion: Anchored in real-world settings and tethered by implementation science, this RE-AIM evaluation suggests Transform-Ed! could have the potential to advance the teaching capability of teachers, and improve the learning experience and physical and academic outcomes of children. There is no conflict of interest to declare by any author.

Differences in psychosocial constructs among elementary school staff that implement physical activity programs: a step in designing implementation strategies.

Multiple types of school staff members (e.g., classroom teachers, principals) are involved in implementing physical activity programs (e.g., classroom-based, gym), but factors specific to their job responsibilities may inhibit their ability to implement programming effectively. Thus, implementation strategies tailored by job type may be needed. We compare perceptions of behavioral constructs related to implementation of school-based physical activity programs, by job type, among school staff. School staff (n = 139), including principals/assistant principals (n = 21), physical education teachers (n = 41), and classroom teachers (n = 77), from elementary schools (n = 25), completed a cross-sectional survey measuring perceptions of attitudes, barriers, knowledge, and outcome expectations related to the implementation of physical activity programs. We compared constructs between job types using complex samples general linear models. Classroom teachers reported more perceived implementation barriers, lower physical activity knowledge, and lower outcome expectations than physical education teachers. Principals reported more perceived implementation barriers than physical education teachers. Classroom teachers reported lower physical activity knowledge than principals. Attitudes towards physical activity were not different by job type. Each job type has a unique constellation of factors affecting their capacity to implement physical activity programs. Understanding these differences enables tailoring of implementation strategies by job type.

Association Between Physical Activity and Mortality Among Community-Dwelling Stroke Survivors.

To determine the relationship between physical activity (PA) and mortality in community-dwelling stroke survivors. The Canadian Community Health Survey was used to obtain self-reported PA across 4 survey years and was linked to administrative databases to obtain prior diagnosis of stroke and subsequent all-cause mortality. PA was measured as metabolic equivalents (METs) per week and meeting minimal PA guidelines was defined as 10 MET-h/wk. Cox proportional hazard regression models and restricted cubic splines were used to determine the relationship between PA and all-cause mortality in respondents with prior stroke and controls, adjusting for sociodemographic factors, comorbidities, and functional health status. The cohort included 895 respondents with prior stroke and 97,805 controls. Adhering to PA guidelines was associated with lower hazard of death for those with prior stroke (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.29-0.73) and controls (aHR 0.69, 95% CI 0.62-0.76). There was a strong dose-response relationship in both groups, with a steep early slope and the vast majority of associated risk reduction occurring between 0 and 20 MET-h/wk. In the group of stroke respondents, PA was associated with greater risk reduction in those <75 years of age (aHR 0.21, 95% CI 0.10-0.43) compared to those ≥75 years of age (aHR 0.68, 95% CI 0.42-1.12). PA was associated with lower all-cause mortality in an apparent dose-dependent manner among those with prior stroke, particularly in younger stroke survivors. Our findings support efforts towards reducing barriers to PA and implementation of PA programs for stroke survivors in the community. This study provides Class III evidence that in community-dwelling survivors of stroke, adhering to physical activity guidelines was associated with lower hazard of death.

Considerations for Individual-Level Versus Whole-School Physical Activity Interventions: Stakeholder Perspectives.

Strategies to address declining physical activity levels among children and adolescents have focused on ‘individual-level’ approaches which often fail to demonstrate impact. Recent attention has been on an alternative ‘whole-school’ approach to increasing physical activity that involves promoting physical activity throughout all aspects of the school environment. There is, however, a lack of evidence on how whole-school physical activity approaches could be implemented in the UK. This qualitative study explored perspectives of key stakeholders on potential reasons for the lack of impact of individual-level school-based interventions on children’s physical activity, and key considerations for adopting a whole-school approach. Nineteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders involved in the implementation of physical activity programmes in UK schools. Data were analysed using an inductive approach. Respondents suggested that individual-level school-based interventions to increase physical activity often failed to consult end users in the design and were typically implemented in environments unsupportive of long-term change. They subsequently outlined specific barriers and key facilitators for the adoption and implementation of whole-school approaches in UK settings and recommended a shift in research foci towards building an evidence base around educational outcomes and whole-school implementation insights.

Changes in Psychosocial Perspectives Among Physical Activity Leaders: Teacher Efficacy, Work Engagement, and Affective Commitment

Purpose: This study examined changes in physical education teachers’ psychosocial perspectives after participating in a yearlong professional development about Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programming. Method: Twenty-three intervention teachers attended a workshop in Year 1 and received one academic year of technical assistance and mentorship, and 30 control teachers only attended a workshop in Year 2. Both groups completed pre- and post-self-reported measures on teacher efficacy, work engagement, and affective commitment. Results: At posttest, intervention teachers reported significantly higher levels of affective commitment, and a significant positive relationship was revealed between affective commitment and the degree to which before-school physical activity was implemented. More experienced teachers (&gt;20 years) reported significantly higher levels of the work engagement subscale of vigor at posttest. Discussion/Conclusion: Participating in a Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program professional development may positively influence teachers’ job commitment levels and invigorate more experienced teachers, which may relate to Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program implementation.

Physical Activity in Patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome-A Systematic Review of Observational and Interventional Studies.

Physical activity (PA) is an important aspect of the management of patients with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). However, the day-to-day implementation of PA programs is particularly challenging in these patients. This systematic review aimed (1) to describe habitual PA and sedentary behavior and (2) to assess the effects of PA interventions and to describe their implementation process, in children and adults with PWS. A systematic search of controlled trials, single-group interventions, observational, and qualitative studies published up to December 2020 was performed. Twenty-five studies were included. Habitual PA was found to be lower in patients with PWS compared to controls without obesity or with non-syndromic obesity. Habitual PA was positively associated with lean body mass and bone parameters in children with PWS, and these finding were strengthened by intervention studies reporting an increase in both outcomes after a PA program. PA programs also improved physical function (muscle strength, walking distance, and coordination), without significant effect on weight and fat mass. Attendance to exercise sessions was usually high and no serious adverse effect was reported. In conclusion, supervised PA programs are beneficial for children and adults with PWS. Support should be provided to families to facilitate their implementation in real-life settings.

Feasibility and Effect of Implementing Physical Activity Program Implementation during Covid-19 in Hospitalized Positive Covid-19 Older Adults.

Feasibility and Effect of Implementing Physical Activity Program Implementation during Covid-19 in Hospitalized Positive Covid-19 Older Adults.

Efectos de un programa de Zumba® sobre niveles de ansiedad-rasgo, ansiedad-estado y condición física en estudiantes universitarias chilenas

Diversas investigaciones han determinado que la implementación de programas de actividad física mejora la salud mental. Sin embargo, aún existen dudas sobre los beneficios de los programas Zumba® en la población que lo practica. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar los efectos de un programa de ejercicio físico basado en Zumba®, sobre los niveles de ansiedad-rasgo y ansiedad-estado en estudiantes universitarias chilenas. Investigación cuantitativa cuasi-experimental, con una muestra de 22 estudiantes mujeres de pregrado (grupo experimental = 10 y grupo control = 12). Las variables fueron: ansiedad-rasgo (A-R) y ansiedad-estado (A-E), además de variables físicas como antropometría, consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2máx) y fuerza prensil. El análisis estadístico se realizó a través de un ANOVA mixto para todas las variables. En nivel de significancia fue de p &lt; 0,05. Los resultados evidenciaron cambios no significativos en los distintos niveles de A-R ni A-E luego de la aplicación del programa de Zumba® (p &gt; 0,05), tampoco hubo cambios en las otras variables de estudio (p &gt; 0,05). Al término de la intervención, no se observaron efectos del programa de Zumba® sobre los distintos niveles de A-R y A-E, como tampoco sobre variables antropométricas, VO2máx ni fuerza prensil. Several investigations have specified that the implementation of physical activity programs improve mental health. However, there are still doubts about the benefits on the population taking part in Zumba® programs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a Zumba® based working out program on the levels of anxiety-trait and anxiety-state in Chilean university students. It was a quantitative, cuasi-experimental study with a sample of 22 undergraduate female students (experimental group = 10 and control group = 12). The variables were anxiety-trait (A-T) and anxiety-state (A-S), in addition to physical variables, such as anthropometry, maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) and grip strength. A statistical analysis was performed through a mixed ANOVA. The level of significance for all analyses was p &lt; 0.05. The results showed no significant changes in the different levels of A-T or A-S (p &gt; 0.05), there were also no changes in the other variables (p &gt; 0.05). At the end of the intervention, no effects of the Zumba® program were observed on the different levels of A-T and A-S, nor on anthropometric variables, VO2max or grip strength. Várias investigações determinaram que a implementação de programas de atividade física melhora a saúde mental. No entanto, ainda existem dúvidas sobre os benefícios dos programas Zumba® na população que pratica. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar os efeitos de um programa de exercícios físicos baseado no Zumba®, sobre níveis de Ansiedade-Traço e Ansiedade-Estado em estudantes universitários chilenos. Pesquisa quantitativa quase experimental, com uma amostra de 22 estudantes do sexo feminino (grupo experimental [GE] = 10 e grupo controle [GC] = 12). As variáveis foram: Ansiedade-Traço (A-T) e Ansiedade-Estado (A-E), ambas avaliadas pelo STAI Trait State Anxiety Questionnaire, além de variáveis físicas como antropometria, consumo máximo de oxigênio (VO2máx) e força pré-trilateral. A análise estatística foi realizada através de uma ANOVA mista para todas as variáveis e uma tabela de contingência por meio do Qui-Quadrado de Pearson para os diferentes níveis de A-T e A-E. O nível de significância para todas as análises foi de p &lt;0,05. Os resultados não mostraram alterações significativas em todas as variáveis do estudo após a aplicação do programa Zumba® (p&gt; 0,05); também não houve diferenças nos diferentes níveis de A-T ou A-E (p&gt; 0,05). Ao final da intervenção, não foram observados efeitos do programa Zumba® sobre diferentes níveis de A-R e A-E, nem nas variáveis antropométricas, VO2máx ou força preênsil.