The purpose of this doctoral dissertation was to explore the experiences of joy during Zumba exercise. A hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was employed to explore the essential structures or essence(s) of joy. Seven long-term Zumba patrons (one male, six females) participated in this study. Each participant engaged in three phenomenological interviews, observation by the principal investigator, and were invited to keep a journal of their Zumba experiences throughout the duration of the five-month study. One final focus group was conducted at the end of the individual interviews, which four participants attended. In addition, the principal investigator oriented to the phenomenon of joy in Zumba firsthand by experiencing weekly Zumba exercise classes for the period of one year. Three articles were constructed to present the findings from this research. The first article explores the visible, bodily forms and kinaesthetic feelings during Zumba exercise. Phenomenological analysis resulted in exploring joy through stomping, bouncing, and swaying experiences of e-motion. The second article explores somatic flow through an existential connection of body-other-world. Phenomenological analysis resulted in exploring somatic flow through rhythmical and effervescent connections via motions, gestures, postures, and felt connection. Finally, the third article explores the researcher’s bodily experiences while engaging in the phenomenological research process. Three experiential accounts are explored in this inquiry, including: participating in a Zumba exercise class; engaging in a phenomenological interview; and the process of writing and re-writing the experiences of joy. This doctoral research thus offers opportunities to sense and understand joy as a motile phenomenon during Zumba exercise classes and brings attention to the various ways joy may look, feel, and flow through felt connections of e-motion.

Over the past twenty years, the number of grandparents raising grandchildren has increased substantially. In many cases, raising grandchildren can be stressful and may aggravate pre-existing health conditions. Grandchildren in these kinship relationships often experience poor health outcomes as well. Typically, both grandparents and grandchildren do not engage in positive health behaviors. Thus, there is a need to develop intergenerational health promotion interventions for grandparents raising grandchildren. This study used the community-based participatory research approach to develop and implement an eight-week intergenerational program for kinship families. The specific goals of this descriptive study were to understand the process and feasibility of developing and implementing the intervention from the perspective of key stakeholders. Content analysis of observational, focus group, and interview data from grandparents, nurses, exercise consultants, and recreation staff provided an in-depth account of the intervention's process (i.e., recruitment, dose delivered, dose received, fidelity, and context) and feasibility (i.e., acceptability, demand, practicality, and integration). Repeated measures ANOVAs were used to determine if the intervention had an effect on participants' health outcomes (i.e., depression, blood pressure, waist circumference, heart rate, weight, balance, and BMI) over time. Although analyses did not result in statistically significant effects on health outcomes, the data trends indicated the possibility of health improvements given a larger sample size. The distinct details gleaned from this study can provide researchers, community organizations, and practitioners with guidance on how to use community partnerships and existing strengths to develop and implement effective community-based intergenerational interventions.

Title: The energetic cost of middle aged women during zumba lesson measured by indirect calorimetric method Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess energy cost of the middle aged women during zumba exercise. Methods: A group of 6 women (age range 27-37 years) volunteered to participate in this study. To assess the maximal oxygen consumption, we used the running test to individual maximum. Each subject took part in six lessons of zumba in commercial fitness gym. Each subject was measured during 60 min long lesson. Results: The oxygen consumption of the whole zumba exercise was 19,5±2,2 ml.kg-1 .min-1 that is 68,4 % of the maximal oxygen consumption 40,1±7,4 ml.kg-1 .min-1 measured during running test. That exactly means a caloric expenditure 404,8 kcal (or 1692,2 kJ) during one lesson of zumba. The intensity of whole class reported by HR was covered by 67,5 % from HRmax and by Borg's rates of perceived exertion (6-20) with rates 14±2 from 18±2 immediately after the maximal running test. The highest energetic cost (336, 3 kcal, resp. 1405,9 kJ) was during the main part of the lesson. Zumba can be classified as moderately challenging type of exercise, which is good for fat burning; this statement is based on values of the heart rate measured during lessons of zumba. Key words: zumba, energetic...