Is there any effect of step aerobics training on physical fitness of female students?

Abstract

Physical fitness testing provides information on biological characteristics of individuals and of whole populations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Step Aerobics Training (SAT) on physical fitness of sixty-two female students 21.18(±1.25) years old. Methods: The Physical Work Capacity 170 (PWC170) test was used for estimation of aerobic capacity. To evaluate the long-term effects of training, the coefficient of restitution effectiveness (CRE), BMI index and waist circumference WC) were measured. The SAT was applied over 30 weeks. The evaluation was performed three times: before the SAT, after 15 weeks of the SAT and after 30 weeks of the SAT. Results: Training decreased BMI (22.21 vs 21.88) and WC (76.34 vs 75.45), increased cardio-respiratory efficiency (VO2max:39.93 vs 40,57), but had no effect on the CRE (71.64 vs 71.74) of participants. Conclusion: The results suggest that SAT can be sufficient to increase aerobic capacity and decrease body mass in females. Physical fitness programs, including SAT, should be encouraged at universities promote students' health.