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Abstract
This study examined the cardiovascular response to low-impact step-aerobic dance in older subjects and the appropriateness of low-intensity step-aerobic exercise for cardiorespiratory fitness improvement in this age group. For this purpose, 6 women and 4 men, aged 57.3±5.8 and 60.7±3.1 (mean±SD) years, respectively, were recruited. Oxygen consumption ([Vdot]O2), pulmonary ventilation ([Vdot]E), heart rate (HR), and blood lactate were measured directly on each subject during a submaximal treadmill test (85% of age predicted maximal HR) and step-aerobic classes. [Vdot]O2max was predicted by extrapolation using the HR and [Vdot]O2 values measured in the submaximal treadmill test. Results showed no significant differences between women and men on any of the variables with the exception of body fat and stature (p<.05). BMI (kg · m2)and body fat (%) values were 27.2±3.8, 25.8±1.9, and 33.4±5, 19.2±4.1 in females and males, respectively. [Vdot]O2max for the group was 34.1±5.3 · kg −1 · min −1. Mean [Vdot]O2 and HR during the aerobic phase of the step class were 20.7±3 ml · kg −1 · min −1 (61±7.5% of [Vdot]O2max) and 131±11 beats · min −1 (81±6.2% of HRmax) and mean blood lactate values at the end of the same phase were 2.14±0.7 mMol · L−1. Results showed that the intensity of the examined exercise was within the recommended ranges for cardiorespiratory fitness improvement of 55–90% of HRmax or 50–85% of [Vdot]O 2max(1).