The Effects of Virtual Zumba® in Individuals With Developmental Disabilities

There are critical knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to understand the impact of aerobic exercise programs on relevant functional outcomes in adults with developmental disabilities (DD). This study will build upon previous literature by examining the impact of a 10-week (2x a week; 60-minutes per session) virtual adapted aerobic dance intervention (adapted Zumba®) in adults with DD ages 20-69 (n=58). Participants will be quasi-randomized to one of three groups: control (normal activities), low-tempo Zumba®, and high-tempo Zumba®. The quasi-randomization enables the investigators to ensure similarities in relevant demographic factors (e.g., disability type, age, sex) across the three groups. This design will enable the investigators to determine the effects of Zumba® and the impact of tempo level on relevant outcome measures. Participants will compete testing three times - pre-test, post-test, and a 4-week follow-up test - to determine the immediate and long-term benefits of Zumba®. Changes in functional mobility (Timed Up-And-Go), balance (Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance), aerobic capacity (6-minute Walk Test), and executive functioning (Flanker) will be assessed. During the program, participants\' moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) will be measured using accelerometry. Compared to the control group, the investigators hypothesize that both Zumba groups will show an improvement in body composition, balance, functional mobility, executive functioning, aerobic capacity, and MVPA during the program. Moreover, the investigators hypothesize that the high tempo group will improve body composition, balance, functional mobility, executive functioning, aerobic capacity, and MVPA during the program more than the low tempo.