Abstract

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This study assessed the effect of step aerobics on triglyceride level of overweight female adolescents in Gindiri, Plateau state, Nigeria. One group repeated measure experimental research design was used. Sixteen (16) overweight female adolescents who were between the ages of 14 and16 years volunteered to participate in the study. The participants were subjected to 8-week step aerobics performed three times a week on alternate days. The training intensity was maintained at between 45% and 50% of heart rate reserve (HRR) and 50% to 55% HRR at the first 4 weeks and 5th – 8th week respectively. The Borg's rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale was used to monitor the rate of exertion throughout the training period. The enzymatic colorimetric method was used to measure the concentration of triglyceride in fasting serum of the participants. Triglyceride concentration was measured at baseline, immediately after the 4th week and 8th week respectively. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the demographic data of the participant. Repeated-measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The result of the study revealed significant decrease in triglyceride level of the participants due to 8-week step aerobics (p - 0.000). It was concluded that moderate intensity step aerobics performed at 45% -55% HRR three times a week on alternate days for a period of 8 weeks had significant effect on triglyceride level of overweight female adolescents in Gindiri, Plateau State, Nigeria. It was recommended that overweight female adolescents should be involved in regular step aerobics to achieve desirable weight overtime and enjoy greater protection from cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Female, Adolescents, Heart rate reserve, Moderate intensity, Overweight, Step aerobics. Triglyceride level.