Cardiovascular effects of Zumba(®) performed in a virtual environment using XBOX Kinect.
[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.
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Luceli Eunice Da Silva
LE
Neves
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Mariza Paver Da Silva
MP
Cerávolo
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Elisangela
E
Silva
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Wagner Zeferino
WZ
De Freitas
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil ; Biomedical Engineering Institute, Camilo Castelo Branco University (UNICASTELO), Brazil.
Fabiano Fernandes
FF
Da Silva
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil.
Wonder Passoni
WP
Higino
Department of Physical Education, Center for Biological Sciences and Health, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), Brazil.
Wellington Roberto Gomes
WR
Carvalho
Group of Studies and Research in Health Sciences (GEP-CS), Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of The South of Minas Gerais (IFSULDEMINAS), Brazil ; Biomedical Engineering Institute, Camilo Castelo Branco University (UNICASTELO), Brazil.
Renato Aparecido
RA
De Souza
Cardiovascular effects; Exergames; Fitness