Abstract

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The research investigated the impact of aerobic dance on systolic and diastolic blood pressure among obese female students at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. A one-group pre-test/post-test design was employed, and participants aged 19–25 were purposively selected based on their BMI. Specifically, female students with a BMI ranging from 30.0 to 34.9kg/m2, aged 19 to 25, and having blood pressure between 130-139mmHg/80-89mmHg were included. Data collection utilized an automatic digital blood pressure monitor, ensuring all selected participants met the inclusion criteria. These students were assigned to a group-based aerobic dance programme with pre-test values as the baseline. The aerobic dance sessions, lasting 30 to 45 minutes with a cool-down, occurred on alternate days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. for twelve consecutive weeks. The training intensity ranged from 45-50% of the estimated maximum Heart Rate for the first 4 weeks, increased to 50–55% for weeks 5–8, and further increased to 55–60% from weeks 9-12 of the aerobic dance protocol. Statistical analysis of the collected data, using SPSS version 20 and the independent t-test at a 0.05 alpha level, indicated significant effects of aerobic dance on both systolic (P = 0.000) and diastolic (P = 0.000) blood pressure. The study concluded that a 12-week aerobic dance programme had a noteworthy impact on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of obese female students at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. Recommendations included encouraging obese female students to engage in regular physical activities, particularly aerobic dance, to mitigate cardiovascular disease risks associated with obesity. Additionally, there was a suggestion for increased awareness and a shift from sedentary lifestyles to an exercise-oriented attitude among obese female students at the University of Calabar.

Keywords: Systolic blood pressure, Diastolic blood pressure, Aerobic dance and Obesity.