Step Aerobics Training Research Articles

Effects of 6 weeks of step aerobics training on pulmonary functions among female students with sedentary lifestyle

Background: Sedentary lifestyle is among the leading cause of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases over the globe. Aerobic conditioning is among the beneficial intervention to improve pulmonary function and manage the complications caused by sedentary life style. Objective: To determine the effects of step aerobics training on pulmonary function among female students with Sedentary Lifestyle. Methods: This RCT was conducted in Margalla Institute of Health Sciences from February to July 2019. Nonprobability convenient sampling was employed to collect sample of 80 students, randomly allocated into groups (40 per group) by coin toss method. Group A performed step aerobics and Group B performed cycling for 6 weeks. Pulmonary function test (FVC, FEV1, PEF) and 3-minute step test was performed at baseline, after 2, 4 and 6 weeks in both groups. Heart rate and oxygen saturation was monitored pre and post exercise. Results: The mean age of Group A is 22.43±2.49 and Group B is 21.80±2.04. Results showed statistically significant difference in respiratory function between groups. Significant improvement of respiratory function was observed in group A which performed aerobics program as compared to group B. The level of significance was set on p <0.05. Conclusion: Step aerobics is considered beneficial in improvement of pulmonary functions and is a good alternative for conditioning program for female adults. Cycling also improved pulmonary function but the progress was slow as compared to step aerobics which showed quick impact in improving pulmonary function test. Clinical Trial Number: NCT04051788

Muscle Power and Agility Following Step-Aerobic Training in Male Badminton Players

Background: Step-aerobics training is one of the most exercise popular which is safe, a low-impact form of exercise, and does not cause any impact on the knee and ankle joints, it is ideal for developing the power of muscle and agility in a change of direction, that is essential for athletes. Objective: This study was to examine muscle power and agility following step-aerobic training in male badminton players. Methods: The study was an experimental research design conducted on a study recruited twenty male badminton players (aged 19-22) who were randomly divided into two groups. The subjects were initially tested for muscle power by a vertical jump and agility test. Thereafter, the experimental group underwent step-aerobic training for 30 minutes three days a week for eight weeks, and the control group continued its badminton training routine without step-aerobic training. After eight weeks, the study tested all groups for muscle power and agility. Result: A group x time interaction for the muscle power of the experimental group after four weeks (p 0.003) and eight weeks (p 0.001) increased than before and after eight weeks (p 0.001) was significantly increased than the control group. The agility time of the experimental group after step-aerobic training for four weeks (p 0.001) and eight weeks (p 0.001) decreased than before and after eight weeks (p 0.002) was significantly decreased than the control group. Conclusion: This study showed that the step-aerobic training pattern in increasing the rhythm movement of 125-140 beats per minute and the 6-8 inches height of step-aerobic can help badminton players enhance their muscle power and agility in four weeks.

Long term effect of Step Aerobics Training on skin temperature. A pilot study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a Step Aerobics Training (SAT) on the skin temperature (Tsk) in different regions (ROI) of the anterior body surface. The study included 15 healthy volunteers of the Bialystok University of Technology (BUT) without any previous experience in SAT training. Two sets of thermograms were recorded before and immediately after exercise at the first and last sessions of a 30-weeks SAT program with a progressive intensity. The results indicate a generalized drop in body temperature immediately after exercise with ΔTsk values of -2.45ºC registered immediately after the first training and lower drops (ΔTsk = -1.69ºC) after the 30 weeks of SAT. The regions with lower values of post- vs pre-exercise Tsk were the thighs both in the first session and in the last session of the 30-weeks SAT program. The results show non-significant variations for asymmetries between the values of the contralateral ROIs in every moment of the data collection. We concluded that a 30-week SAT program resulted in significant drop of mean Tsk of evaluated body parts (ROI), being the thermal effects related with the areas more activated in the sport practice. From the thermal asymmetries perspective, the training program carried out did not generate any injury risk for the participants.

6 Weeks Step Aerobics Training Among Females With Sedentary Life Style.

6 Weeks Step Aerobics Training Among Females With Sedentary Life Style.

Application of Thermal Imaging and PWC170 Test for the Evaluation of the Effects of a 30-Week Step Aerobics Training

Abstract The aim of this paper is to verify whether step aerobics training (SAT) has an impact on the temperature of deep muscles of the spine of young, healthy subjects and if there exists a relationship between the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and thermal results. The study was conducted in a group of 21 subjects of both sexes, aged 20.2 ± 0.38. The step aerobics training sessions lasted 30 weeks, one training session per week, 60 minutes per session. Thermograms of the spine were taken with the use of an infrared thermographic camera. Instrumental measurements included BMI, vital capacity of the lungs, and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). After a 30-weeklong SAT, a statistically significant increase in the average temperature of the muscles of the thoracic and lumbar spine was observed in subjects of both sexes (1.2◦C and 1.28◦C, respectively, p < 0.05). At the same time, VO2max increased from 42.98 ml/kg/min to 43.6 ml/kg/min in male subjects and from 40.4 ml/kg/min to 41.1 ml/kg/min in female subjects (p > 0.05). The relationship between VO2max and temperature of the muscles of the thoracic and lumbar spine after the 30th SAT was not statistically significant (r = - 0.28; p = 0.226; r = - 0.11; p = 0.634, respectively). The study showed that a 30-weeklong step aerobics training (SAT) had a positive impact on thermoregulation of apparently healthy male and female subjects aged 20. Furthermore, it can be safely assumed that thermography may be used as a non-invasive method of examination of the thermoregulation mechanism of SAT participants.

Physical Therapy Interventions and Bone Health: A Short Commentary

Risk of osteoporosis is increasing in normal population due to inactivity, dietary eating habits, and sedentary life styles, low calcium intake, less exposure to sun light and hormonal changes. Physical therapy interventions, weight bearing training, jumping intervention in childhood and adolescence, modified step aerobics training, balance training, strength training and water based exercise can be used for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

Evaluation of changes in body composition and efficency of women under the influence of 4-month step-aerobis training

The aim of the study was to determine changes in body composition and efficiency of a group of women subjected to 4-month step-aerobics training. Issues of the research have been defined by the question: Were the body composition and efficiency of the researched women changed under the influence of step-aerobics, and if so, how big those changes were? The study group consisted of 30 women aged 23-38 years, regularly attending the fitness classes of step-aerobics three times a week, lasting 45 minutes. Based on the measurements of height and weight BMI was calculated. Body composition was determined using the analyser TANITA. Cooper test was also conducted. Its purpose was to determine the maximum aerobic capacity (i.e. Oxygen uptake VO2max), which is a determinant of physical condition. Based on the analysis of the results, the following conclusions were drawn: 1.Step-aerobic has a positive effect on the body composition. The period of four-month training with frequency of 3 times a week caused: body weight loss by 3.86%, decrease of BMI values on average by 3.83%, reduction of the body fat levels on average by 17.75%, increase of muscles mass on average by 2.21%. 2. Participation in class step-aerobics brings significant benefits associated with the level of efficiency. The period of four-month training with a frequency of 3 times a week caused an increase of women efficiency participating in this form of female fitness, on average by 17.31% (Cooper test results).

Modified step aerobics training and neuromuscular function in osteoporotic patients: a randomized controlled pilot study

BackgroundTraining programs directed to improve neuromuscular and musculoskeletal function of the legs are scarce with respect to older osteoporotic patients. We hypothesized that a modified step aerobics training program might be suitable for this purpose and performed a randomized controlled pilot study to assess the feasibility of conducting a large study. Here we report on the training-related effects on neuromuscular function of the plantar flexors.Patients and methodsTwenty-seven patients with an age of at least 65 years were enrolled and randomized into control and intervention group. The latter received supervised modified step aerobics training (twice weekly, 1 h per session) over a period of 6 months. At baseline, and after 3 and 6 months neuromuscular function of the plantar flexors, i.e., isometric maximum voluntary torque, rate of torque development and twitch torque parameters were determined in detail in all patients of both groups.ResultsTwenty-seven patients (median age 75 years; range 66–84 years) were randomized (control group n = 14; intervention group n = 13). After 3 and 6 months of training, maximum voluntary contraction strength in the intervention group was significantly higher by 7.7 Nm (9.1%; 95% CI 3.3–12.2 Nm, P < 0.01) and 12.4 Nm (14.8%; 95% CI 6.4–18.5 Nm, P < 0.01) compared to controls. These changes were most probably due to neural and muscular adaptations.ConclusionIt is worthwhile to investigate efficacy of this training program in a large randomized trial. However, a detailed neuromuscular assessment appears feasible only in a subset of participants.

Impact of Aerobic and Aerobic Cross Training on Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) and Bio-Motor Variables Among Obese Males

Objective: To find out the effect of aerobic and aerobic cross training programs on coronary heart disease and bio-motor variables among obese males from pre to post-test. Method: The design of this study carried out experimental research with a pre and post test for two groups formed on the basis of Body Mass Index (BMI). Subjects: Sixty obese male subjects from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals will be selected to participate in the study. Age of the participants was in the range between 18 and 22 years. Subjects were segregated into two groups namely (aerobics training group, aerobic cross training group). The duration of the training program was 45 minutes per session, twice per week. All the participants from both the groups were tested prior and after 12 weeks of program. The selected Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) variables were tested at the KFUPM clinic laboratory. Bio-motor variables will be tested by the investigators at the physical education department. Statistical Analysis: Mean S.D and t-test were computed for pre and post data scores analysis to find the difference among groups. The level of significance was set at .05 levels and SPSS 16 was used for analysing data. Results and Discussion: Coronary heart disease variables: The analyzing of data reveals that both the groups, Aerobic Training Group (ATG) and step Aerobics Training Group (ACTG) improved from pre to post test in all the selected coronary heart diseases variables. Bio-Motor variables: The analyzing of data reveals that the selected bio-motor variables from pre to post test among both the groups had revealed improved performance. Conclusion: It was concluded that the both the groups Aerobic Training Group (ATG) and step Aerobics Training Group (ACTG) had shows significant improvement in all the selected coronary heart diseases variables selected bio-motor variables.

Effects of a Group-Based Step Aerobics Training on Sleep Quality and Melatonin Levels in Sleep-Impaired Postmenopausal Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of regular moderate- to high-intensity step aerobics training on the melatonin levels and sleep quality of sleep-impaired postmenopausal women (PMW). PMW with poor sleep (having a score over 5 in the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index [PSQI]) were divided into a training group (TG, n = 10) and an age-, height-, weight-, and PSQI score-matched control group (CG, n = 9). The participants in the TG performed 40-45 minutes of step aerobics exercise 3 times per week for 10 weeks at an intensity of 75-85% of the heart rate reserve, whereas the participants in the CG maintained their regular lifestyle. The fasting blood was analyzed, and the PSQI questionnaire and aerobic fitness test were administered before and after the 10-week program. The results revealed that for the participants in the TG, the PSQI score significantly decreased (TG from 9.40 ± 0.81 to 7.40 ± 0.43; CG from 7.56 ± 0.34 to 7.78 ± 0.68; between-group difference = 2.22, p ≤ 0.05) and the melatonin levels significantly increased (TG from 12.08 ± 4.20 to 44.42 ± 7.03 pg·ml; CG from 11.81 ± 2.03 to 5.5 ± 1.39 pg·ml, between-group difference = 38.65, p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, a 10-week moderate- to high-intensity step aerobics training program can improve sleep quality and increase the melatonin levels in sleep-impaired PMW. Therefore, regular moderate- to high-intensity step aerobics training is recommended for sleep-impaired PMW.

The Effects of 12 Weeks of Step Aerobics Training on Functional Fitness of Elderly Women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of 12 weeks of step aerobics (SA) training on the functional fitness of apparently healthy older women. Thirteen previously sedentary elderly women (mean age 63.14 years) participated in this study. Subjects performed 3 training sessions per week for 30-60 minutes per session. All measurements were assessed at baseline, after 12 weeks of training (posttest), and after 1 month of detraining. Assessments included the evaluation of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), strength of the upper (arm-curl [AC] test) and lower body (30-second chair-stand test [CS]), dynamic balance and agility (8 foot up and go [8 ft]), flexibility (chair sit-and-reach [CSR]), and cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test [6MW]). Step aerobics significantly improved all functional fitness components except for BMI. The 12 weeks of SA promoted a large effect size in the following measurements: WC (d = 1.6); CSR (d = 1.51); CS (d = 1.49); AC (d = 1.41); 8 ft (d = 1.32); and 6MW (d = 1.06) (p < 0.05). These results indicate that 12 weeks of SA had a positive effect on the functional fitness components of these older women. Furthermore, these findings were confirmed by the reverse effect observed after 1 month of detraining, except for upper body strength (AC test). In conclusion, 12 weeks of SA training can promote improvements in the functional fitness of apparently healthy older women. Therefore, SA can be considered an effective exercise modality to prevent the loss of functional fitness and its associated consequences.

Heart Rate and RPE Responses of Elderly Women During 12 Weeks of Step Aerobics Training

Heart Rate and RPE Responses of Elderly Women During 12 Weeks of Step Aerobics Training

Letter to the Editor

I read the article by Mosher, Ferguson and Arnold [[1]] that investigated lipid and lipoprotein changes in premenstrual women following step aerobic dance training. In this study they compared the effects of 12 weeks of interval step aerobics training (IS) and continuous step aerobics training (CS) on cardiorespiratory fitness, body composition and lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. They found that 12 weeks of interval step aerobics training resulted in increased HDL-C concentrations and also both IS and CS training resulted in improved cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition.

Effect of Step Aerobics Training on Anaerobic Performance of Men and Women

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 10 weeks of step aerobics training on anaerobic performance of men and women. College-age volunteers (64 women and 54 men) were divided into step aerobics (33 women, 27 men) and control (31 women, 27 men) groups. Before and after the 10-week period, the subjects' body composition, muscular strength, Wingate anaerobic performance, and vertical jump anaerobic performance were determined. The step aerobics group participated in step aerobics sessions of 50 minutes per day, 3 days per week for 10 weeks, at 60-80% of their heart rate reserve. Results of 2 x 2 analysis of covariance with repeated measures indicated significant sex differences in percentage body fat, lean body mass, muscular strength, and in all of the measured indices of the Wingate Anaerobic Test. The step aerobics group showed significant improvement only in mean power relative to body weight compared with the control group and women showed significant improvement only in anaerobic power of vertical jump when compared with men. It can be concluded that 10 weeks of step aerobics was not effective in improving all of the measured anaerobic indices in men and women.

Moderate-intensity exercise training with elements of step aerobics in patients with severe chronic heart failure

Objective: To evaluate whether a specific program of moderate-intensity step aerobics training may be sufficient to improve the exercise tolerance of patients with severe chronic heart failure. Patients: Twenty-six patients (22 men, 4 women; mean ± SD age, 54 ± 9yrs) with a history of severe chronic heart failure (left ventricular ejection fraction of 18% ± 8%). Study Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Patients were randomized into exercise and control groups. All patients underwent a clinical examination and a ramp pattern cycle exercise test before and after the observation period. The exercise group underwent a moderate-intensity (50% of peak oxygen uptake) 12-week training program, progressing to 100 minutes per week of step aerobics and 50 minutes per week of cycling. The control group did not perform a training program. Main Outcome Measures: Peak oxygen uptake, peak workload, percent of predicted power ability. Results: Significant increases in peak oxygen uptake (15 ± 3.4 to 18.5 ± 2.9mL/kg/min; p = .001), peak workload (77 ± 26 to 99 ± 31 watts; p = .000), and percent of predicted power ability (43% ± 10% to 56% ± 13%; p = .000) were observed in the exercise group. No significant changes in baseline parameters occurred in the control group. There were no critical changes in heart rate or blood pressure in either group. Conclusion: Moderate-intensity step aerobics training significantly increases peak oxygen uptake and peak workloads in patients with severe chronic heart failure.

Effects of a 10‐week step aerobic training program on the aerobic power and body composition of college‐age women

This study determined the effect of a 10‐week step aerobics training program on aerobic power and body composition of college‐age women (mean age, 19.4 years). Subjects in the experimental group (n = 21) exercised three times per week for 10 weeks, at an intensity that represented 76% of maximal heart rate. A control group (n = 28) did not exercise. All subjects performed a maximal treadmill test, were hydrostatically weighed, and were measured for maximal buttocks, thigh, and calf girth prior to and on completion of the study. Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significant (p ≤0.05) improvement in peak oxygen consumption (11.7%), maximal minute ventilation (6.7%), and time to exhaustion on the treadmill (33.1%). There was no significant (p >0.05) change in percent body fat in either group. Thus, it appears that step aerobic training can be an effective method of improving aerobic power in college‐age women. However, while the acute caloric requirement of step aerobics compares...