Cardiovascular effects of Zumba® performed in a virtual environment using XBOX Kinect

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 27; no. 9; pp. 2863 - 2865
• Main Authors: Luceli Eunice Da Silva Neves, Mariza Paver Da Silva Cerávolo, Silva, Elisangela, Freitas, Wagner Zeferino De, Silva, Fabiano Fernandes Da, Higino, Wonder Passoni, Carvalho, Wellington Roberto Gomes, Souza, Renato Aparecido De
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Japanese
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 2015
• Subjects: Cardiovascular effects; Exergames; Fitness; Original; Exergames; Cardiovascular effects; Fitness
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.27.2863

[Purpose] This study evaluated the acute cardiovascular responses during a session of Zumba® Fitness in a virtual reality environment. [Subjects] Eighteen healthy volunteers were recruited. [Methods] The following cardiovascular variables: heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and double product were assessed before and after the practice of virtual Zumba®, which was performed as a continuous sequence of five choreographed movements lasting for 22 min. The game Zumba Fitness Core®, with the Kinect-based virtual reality system for the XBOX 360, was used to create the virtual environment. Comparisons were made among mean delta values (delta=post-Zumba® minus pre-Zumba® values) for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and double product using Student’s t-test for paired samples. [Results] After a single session, a significant increase was noted in all the analyzed parameters (Systolic blood pressure=18%; Diastolic blood pressure=13%; Heart rate=67%; and Double product=97%). [Conclusion] The results support the feasibility of the use of Zumba Fitness Core® with the Kinect-based virtual reality system for the XBOX 360 in physical activity programs and further favor its indication for this purpose.