Cardiovascular effects of Zumba^® performed in a virtual environment using XBOX Kinect

Abstract

[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.

Effects of Conventional and Virtual Reality Cardiovascular Rehabilitation in Body Composition and Functional Capacity of Patients with Heart Diseases: Randomized Clinical Trial

“…11 The videogames that adopt physical interaction with the user are called "exergames" 12,13 and provide body motion as a form of exercise. 14 Physical exercise influences physical fitness, whose components include flexibility, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance and body composition.…”

Exergames as Coping Strategies for Anxiety Disorders During the COVID-19 Quarantine Period

“…16 These characteristics are crucial for increasing motivation and self-efficacy, as well as for possibly keeping people physically active. 17 Previous studies have shown that exergame interventions are able to improve the following: physical activity levels, 18 the performance of daily activities, 19,20 heart rate, [21][22][23][24][25] oxygen consumption, 21,23,25 and energy expenditure in various populations 21,23,25,26 ; improvements in body composition in children 27 ; and postural balance 28 and cognitive function in older adults. 29 Moreover, it has already been demonstrated that a single session of a dance exergame reduced anxiety levels in young adult women.…”

Profiling exercise intensity during the exergame Hollywood Workout on XBOX 360 Kinect®

“… Neves et al (2015) investigated the acute cardiovascular responses during a session of the game Zumba Fitness Core ® performed with XBOX 360 and observed a significant increase of HR immediately after the session. Graves et al (2010) compared the physiological cost among adolescents, young, and older adults during a game with a joystick, Wii® Fit activities (yoga, muscle conditioning, balance, and aerobics), and brisk treadmill walking and jogging and found that energy expenditure and HR of Wii® Fit activities were greater than joystick games, but lower than treadmill exercise and that the Wii® elicited moderate intensity activity.…”