مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - AN EXAMINATION OF THE EFFECTS OF FOLK DANCE EXERCISES ON SOME PHYSICAL FITNESS PARAMETERS IN WOMEN

Abstract :

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a 12 week long folk dance exercises program on some physical fitness parameters of young women. 44 healthy women who studied at Afyon Kocatepe University during 2011-2012 Academic Year volunteered to participate in this study. From those students, experimental (N-22) and control (N-22) groups were formed at random. The control group didn’t do any exercises and continued their daily routine. On the other hand, the experimental group performed folk dance (horon) exercises three days per week for 12 weeks, each session lasted for 60-90 minutes, and the intensity of the heart rates was 60-80%. The data analysis of the research was done using the statistical SPSS 18.0 packet program and arithmetical average and standard deviation value of all the data were calculated. Paired Sample T- Test was used to determine the differences between intragroup pre and post-test values of the subjects and Independent Sample T-Test was used for the evaluation between the groups. Significant level was determined as 0.05 and 0.01. Statistically significant differences were found in body weight, body mass indexes, body fat ratio, leg strength, flexibility, right and left hand grip, anaerobic and aerobic power (VO2max) between two groups. In conclusion, it was determined that 12 weeks folk dance exercises caused positive differences in some physical fitness parameters.