The effect of fitness aerobics on morphofunctional indicators of middle aged females

Aim. The paper aims to identify the most effective direction in fitness aerobics for the best physical training of middle aged females. Materials and methods. A pedagogical experiment was conducted in March 2018 - November 2018. The experiment was held on the premises of the World of fitness sports club (Togliatti). Ninety (n = 90) females aged from 35 to 50 years participated in the experiment. All females were divided into three groups depending on their fitness discipline (Pilates (EG-1), strip dance (EG-2), step aerobics (EG-3)). To compare the programs, a set of indicators was used that characterize the morphofunctional and somatometric changes in the subjects, as well as the dynamics of physical qualities. Statistical data processing was performed using the Microsoft Office and Statistica for Windows v.6.0 software package. The collected data were described using sample size (n), arithmetic mean (x ~), and standard deviation (SD). Results. The recovery time (according to the functional test) in EG-3 decreased by an average of 0.8, in EG-2 - by 0.5, in EG-1 - by 0.4. Orthostatic test showed that the difference in horizontal and vertical positions reduced and did not exceed 10 bpm. Rate of recovery in step-test in EG-3 decreased by an average of 3.3 s, in EG-2 - by 2.8 s; in EG-1 - by 2.1 s. The strength of the abdominal muscles increased on average by 7 times (69.2 %); muscle strength of the shoulder girdle improved by 8.4 times (40.8 %); strength of the thigh muscles increased on average by 20.2 times (44.5 %); vertebral column mobility improved by an average of 7.2 cm (66.6 %); in EG - 1, coordination abilities improved by 6.3 s (73.9 %), in EG-2 - by 7.4 s (71.3 %), in EG-3 - by 9 s (69.2 %). Indicators of body proportionality after the experiment showed that there was a decrease in the hips by 8.3 ± 1.20 cm; waist circumference reduced by 5.1 ± 1.22 cm; breast circumference reduced by 1.8 ± 0.38 cm. Conclusion. The results obtained prove the greatest efficiency of step aerobics classes compared to other fitness disciplines, which is expressed in a significant improvement of the cardiovascular, respiratory, coordination systems and somatic indicators, as well as in an increase in physical fitness in middle-aged females.