Hula Hooping for Health: Effects of Weighted Training on Fitness Outcomes in Overweight Adolescents

Background: Hula-hooping is an age-old dancing tradition that has seen resurgence as an energetic core exercise. The Hula Hoop (HL) is a widely used workout tool that involves a simple motion and a hoop that circles the waist and swings hips in an attempt to strengthen the core muscles. The increasing rates of overweight and obesity among college students are causing concern not just for individual health but also for the functionality of communities. According to research, the majority of college students do not follow dietary and physical activity recommendations, and 14% of typical students become overweight and enter the overweight category throughout their four years of study.  Objective: To find effect of Weighted Hula Hoop Training Program (WHHTP) on core strength and aerobic capacity in Overweight students.  Methodology: Institutional ethical approval was obtained. Consent was obtained from all the participants. 60 samples were taken based on eligibility criteria and divided into Group A (experimental group) and Group B (control group). Pre-assessment was done at Week 0. The experimental group received the WHHTP and regular exercise program for 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks. The control group received regular exercise program. Post-assessment was done at week 4.  Result: Post intervention, it was seen that there was significant improvement for group A but not in group B. In VO2 max and plank, significant increase in aerobic capacity and core strength was seen in Group A. Between the group’s comparison showed a significant difference in all tests i.e. Queens college step test and plank with a p value of <0. 0001.  Conclusion: The study concludes that WHHTP is effective in improving core strength and aerobic capacity in overweight students.