Heart Rate Responses of Post-Menopausal Women to Zumba Gold^® Classes

This study aimed to describe the heart rate (HR) responses of post-menopausal women during Zumba Gold^® classes and to investigate the effects of body fat on HR responses. Twenty-three post-menopausal women (68.8 ± 7.2 years old; 160.0 ± 5.2 cm; 66.9 ± 11.1 kg, 36.0 ± 9.9% body fat) participated. Baseline testing assessed participants' anthropometric and fitness characteristics. Then, HR measurements were taken during four of their regular Zumba Gold^® classes, and average HR (HR_mean), as well as time spent in different HR intensity categories, was calculated. Linear regressions and t-tests were performed to analyse the data. The average HR during Zumba Gold^® classes was 70.2% of maximum HR. Women with lower body fat achieved a significantly higher HR_mean and spent less time at light to very light intensity and more time at moderate intensity compared to those with higher body fat. Body fat percentage and age were identified as determinants of time spent at moderate intensity. These findings suggest that Zumba Gold^® can be an effective exercise option for post-menopausal women aiming to meet the recommended daily exercise guidelines. Understanding the HR responses during Zumba Gold^® classes can aid in the development of safe and effective exercise prescriptions for this population.