Physical and Psychological Benefits of a 12-Week Zumba Gold® Exercise Intervention in Postmenopausal Sedentary Women from Low Socioeconomic Status

Abstract

Background: Exercise is known to help with the effects of the menopause, but women from low socioeconomic status (SES) tend to exercise less at this stage of life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the physical and psychological effects of a Zumba Gold® community-based intervention in postmenopausal women from low SES. Methods: Forty-three women were divided into a Zumba Gold® (ZG) and control (C) group, and participated in pre- and post-testing sessions, separated by a 12-week intervention period. The outcomes measured were: body composition, sit-to-stand (STS), six-minute walk test (6MWT), balance, Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Multidimensional Fatigue Index (MFI-20), Self-Efficacy for Exercise (SEE), Behavioral Regulations in Exercise (BREQ-2), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Social Connectedness questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews were also performed on 15 ZG participants. Results: The results showed significant improvements in the ZG group only for STS, 6MWT, mental health, fatigue (general, physical, and mental), social connectedness score, and a significantly lower level of amotivation. Zumba Gold® had positive effects on four main themes: belonging, non-judgmental place, psychological motivational factors, and mind–body connection. Conclusions:This is the first study to show that ZG is beneficial for this population and encourages similar studies on other aspects of the menopause.