The potential benefits of Zumba Gold(®) in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's: Feasibility and effects of dance styles and number of sessions.

OBJECTIVES: 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.

DESIGN: Repeated measure uncontrolled (single group) feasibility study.

SETTING: 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.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 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.