Effects of Aerobic/Zumba Dance Exercise Programme on Spine Flexibility and Body Weight among Retired Older Adults in Akwa Ibom State
Keywords:
Aerobic/Zumba Dance Exercise, Spine Flexibility, Body Weight, Retired Older AdultAbstract
This study examined the effects of an Aerobic/Zumba dance exercise programme on spine flexibility and body weight among retired older adults in Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted a pre-test and post-test experimental research design. The quasi-experimental (Interrupted Time-Series) design was used for the study. The area of the study is AkwaIbom State. The area of the study is AkwaIbom State. The population of the participants who volunteered for the study, and identified as older adults, was initially 150 retired older adults (these included12women; aged between 65 years and above); who took part in the study. A population of 150 retired older adult began the programme in Uyo with 68 participant, Eket, 47 participants and IkotEkpene, 35 participants. The instruments for the study are already standardized instruments, invented for the purpose they were made for. To ensure reliability of the weighing scale, a standard weight lifting barbell of 1 kg was always placed to set a scale-pointer correctly at 1kg. After the posttest measurement, the data sorted out were treated with the Descriptive Statistics to answer the research questions. . The Paired sample t-test statistical (PTS) was used to test the hypotheses, set at probability alpha significant level of .05. The study showed that there is significant difference between the pretest and post test means of spine flexibility fitness (SFLF) levelof the retired older adults in Akwa Ibom State and also that there is a significant difference between the pretest and post test means of body weight (BWT) of the retired older adults in Akwa Ibom State; showing significant improvement in the body weight (BWT). The study concluded that Aerobic/Zumba dance exercise is an effective, engaging, and accessible form of physical activity for improving spine flexibility and reducing body weight in older populations. It was therefore recommended that for weight management a consistent schedule (e.g. 3 times per week for 45-60 minutes) of Zumba exerciseshould be promoted as an enjoyable component of a holistic weight and BMI management strategy for olderadults, alongside nutritional guidance.
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