| Aerobic Dance Exercise Improve Body Composition in Previously Sedentary Young Women |
| Paper ID : 1138-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
|
Maryam Abbasi * . Department of Exercise Physiology, Ilam Branch. Islamic Azad University, Ilam, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Emerging forms of physical activity that combine fitness and enjoyment, such as aerobic dance, are gaining popularity due to their engaging nature and health benefits. Aerobic dance enhances cardiovascular fitness and may improve body composition. This study examined the effects of an eight-week moderate-intensity aerobic dance program on body composition in previously sedentary young women. Methods: Twenty sedentary women in Ilam, Iran, meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to control (n=10) or aerobic dance (n=10) groups. The intervention involved three weekly sessions over eight weeks, each including a 10-minute warm-up, a low-impact aerobic dance routine at 12–14 Borg scale intensity, and a 10-minute cool-down. Body composition variables—BMI, ideal weight, overweight, fat-free mass, fat mass, and protein mass—were assessed pre- and post-intervention using a body composition analyzer. Data were analyzed with ANCOVA. Results: Significant improvements were observed in fat-free mass (F = 2.61, p < 0.05, η² = 0.89) and protein mass (F = 9.6, p < 0.05, η² = 0.97), while BMI (F = 4.28, p < 0.05, η² = 0.91), fat mass (F = 12.03, p < 0.05, η² = 0.94), and overweight index (F = 6.18, p < 0.05, η² = 0.97) significantly decreased. Ideal weight showed no significant change (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Eight weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic dance effectively improves body composition in previously sedentary young women by increasing lean tissue and reducing fat mass. Its rhythmic and enjoyable nature makes aerobic dance a practical and sustainable approach to promoting physical activity and enhancing body composition in inactive populations. |
| Keywords |
| Aerobic dance, Body composition, Sedentary women, Physical activity, Exercise intervention |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
