Effect of Aerobic Dancing Programme on Physiological Components of Female Undergraduate Students in the University of Calabar.

Abstract:

The study investigated the effect of aerobics dancing programme (ADP) on physiological components of female students in University of Calabar. Three research questions were raised with their corresponding hypotheses. Pretest-posttest quasi-experimental research design was adopted. The population was made up of 1226 female undergraduate students in University of Calabar out of which sample of 60 was derived using a multistage sampling technique. Standardized instrument utilized in arriving at the collation of data was digital sphygmomanometer for the measurement of resting heart rate (RHR), resting systolic blood pressure (RSBP) and resting diastolic blood pressure (RDBP) respectively. Research questions raised were answered using mean while the hypotheses were tested using the Normalised gain analysis . The results indicate that there is a significant reduction in the RHR (=0.14), RSBP (=0.08), and RDBP (=0.12). It is concluded that aerobic dance performed 30–45 min, 3 days · week –1 for 2 weeks with a music of high tempo of 132-140bpm metronome beat significantly improves physiological functions of students, although to a low normalized gain. Based on the results obtained, it recommended that ADP should be incorporated in the secondary education curriculum. Also, individuals should take part in aerobic dance 4 to 5 days in a week in other to enhance potency and effectiveness of the aerobic dancing programme in eliminating cardiovascular risk factors.