The physiologic effects of eight weeks of aerobic dance with and without hand-held weights

There are few reports concerning the physiologic alter ations that occur following a specified period of aerobic dance. Further, no data exist to describe the physio logic changes or potential risk associated with using hand-held weights during aerobic dance. The purpose of this study was to determine the changes in maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) and body composition follow ing 8 weeks of aerobic dance using hand-held weights (Heavyhands, AMF, Jefferson, lA). Twenty-eight college females volunteered for the study. All subjects were given a preoxygen and postoxygen uptake (VO 2 max) treadmill test. Body composition was measured by taking the sum of five skinfold sites and determining the percent change following training. Subjects were randomly assigned to a hand-held weight or nonhand held weight group. No significant differences (P < 0.05) existed between groups for VO 2 max and body com position after 8 weeks of traini ng. However, a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in VO 2 max was found within the hand-held weight (37.7 to 42.6) and in the nonhand held weight group (36.5 to 41.9). Complaints from subjects included transient aches and pains in the shoulder area during the first 3 weeks as a result of hand-held weight use. These findings suggest that hand-held weights may be used safely but do not increase the work load sufficiently above that of aerobic dance alone to significantly modify VO 2 max or body composition.