The potential benefits of Zumba Gold® in people with mild-to-moderate Parkinson's: Feasibility and effects of dance styles and number of sessions

•Zumba Gold® is a cheap, safe and enjoyable workout for people with PD.•Two participants spent more than 75% of the time in the vigorous to maximal HR zone.•Two participants spent more than 25% of the time in the moderate HR zone.•Significant decreases in HR were observed when including backwards steps.•Activity levels increased between the first and last sessions.

ObjectivesTo assess the feasibility of Zumba Gold® in people with PD, and to investigate the effects of dance styles and number of sessions on activity levels and physiological load.DesignRepeated measure uncontrolled (single group) feasibility study.SettingEleven participants (age: 64.0 ± 8.1 years) with mild-to-moderate idiopathic PD (Hoehn & Yahr stage < 3.0) took part in a screening session, followed by six Zumba Gold® workouts each separated by one week, and a follow-up interview six months later.Main outcome measuresThe main feasibility parameters measured were retention, compliance, and adverse events. Furthermore, during each Zumba Gold® session, physical activity levels were measured using tri-axial accelerometers, while physiological load was assessed by average heart rate (HRmean). A two-way ANOVA with repeated measures assessed the effects of dance styles and session number on activity level and HR.Results73% retention and 81% compliance were achieved, and no adverse events were recorded. Participants' enjoyment was high and 38% started Zumba Gold® classes in the community after intervention. HR values were similar between dance styles and within the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)'s recommendations in 50% of participants. Backwards steps reduced physiological load but improvements in activity levels between the first and last sessions show that steps could be learnt with time.ConclusionsZumba Gold® is safe and enjoyable for people with PD. The excellent compliance and positive participants' feedback suggest the need for a larger-scale trial.