Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of hula hoop exercise training program on health-related physical fitness, spot reduction and lipid profile level in overweight women. Overweight (BMI = 23-28.4 kg/m²) female personnel of the private hospital, aged 25-50 years, were categorized into 3 groups of hula hoop exercise: no water-filled hoop(n=11), 500ml. water-filled hoop (n=11) and 750ml. water-filled hoop (n=12). All groups performed training assigned program that consisted of 50 minute hooping workout (not included warm up and cool down) including 30 min waist hooping and 10 min arm hooping at rhythm 80 round per min, 3 times/per week for 12 weeks. At pre and post-training, the values of general physiological data, health-related physical fitness spot reduction and lipid profile of all participants were recorded. The Results of this study are as follow: After 12 weeks, there were no significant difference in body weight, percentage of body fat, maximal oxygen consumption and blood lipid profile level in three groups of hula hoop training. Both 500 ml. and 750 ml. water-filled hoop groups had significantly increased in biceps and triceps muscle strength and flexibility (p<.05). Moreover, the circumference and subcutaneous fat of upper arm and waist were significantly declined in all three exercise groups (p<.05). In conclusion Hula hoop exercise program has a favorable effect to reduce circumference and subcutaneous fat in specific parts. Cardio-respiratory fitness and the whole body fat are not found to improve after hula hoop training. Hula hoop filled with water can.