title: The potential benefits of Zumba Gold(®) in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's: Feasibility and effects of dance styles and number of sessions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the feasibility of Zumba Gold(®) in people with PD, and to investigate the effects of dance styles and number of sessions on activity levels and physiological load.
  
  
  METHODS
  Repeated measure uncontrolled (single group) feasibility study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven participants (age: 64.0±8.1years) with mild-to-moderate idiopathic PD (Hoehn & Yahr stage<3.0) took part in a screening session, followed by six Zumba Gold(®) workouts each separated by one week, and a follow-up interview six months later.
  
  
  METHODS
  The main feasibility parameters measured were retention, compliance, and adverse events. Furthermore, during each Zumba Gold(®) session, physical activity levels were measured using tri-axial accelerometers, while physiological load was assessed by average heart rate (HRmean). A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures assessed the effects of dance styles and session number on activity level and HR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  73% retention and 81% compliance were achieved, and no adverse events were recorded. Participants' enjoyment was high and 38% started Zumba Gold(®) classes in the community after intervention. HR values were similar between dance styles and within the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)'s recommendations in 50% of participants. Backwards steps reduced physiological load but improvements in activity levels between the first and last sessions show that steps could be learnt with time.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Zumba Gold(®) is safe and enjoyable for people with PD. The excellent compliance and positive participants' feedback suggest the need for a larger-scale trial.
authors: Movement Science Group, Oxford Brookes University, UK. Electronic address: adelextrat@brookes.ac.uk.
authors: A
authors: A
authors: Delextrat
authors: Movement Science Group, Oxford Brookes University, UK.
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Bateman
authors: Movement Science Group, Oxford Brookes University, UK.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Esser
authors: Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, UK.
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Targen
authors: Movement Science Group, Oxford Brookes University, UK.
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Dawes
mesh_terms: D003614:Dance Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003615:Dancing / Q000502:physiology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000628:therapy*