We were surprised to see that the hula hoop has actually been
researched since the 1960s – although, admittedly, only a couple
of studies have been completed since that decade
Method: Dr McGill decided to conduct
this study as the hoop manufacturer
claimed that hula hooping with
a weighted hoop (1.02m in
diameter, 1.7kg), with a knobby
surface on the inner ring,
would stimulate muscle activity. To
determine if there were indeed benefits,
McGill and his colleagues recruited
healthy females (30 to 60 years of age)
with no history of back pain to complete
a six week trial using a weighted hula
hoop. They investigated variables such
as anthropometrics (waist and hip
circumference), torso muscular endurance
(static V-sit for time), isometric endurance
(planking front, right and left) and skinfold
measurements (sum of 5: triceps, biceps,
subscapular, iliac crest and medial calf). All
participants attended a supervised class
once per week and were instructed to use
the hoop on their own for four additional
times each week for six weeks. Both the
supervised and unsupervised self-training
programs started at 2 minutes in week
one, progressing to 6 minutes; 14 minutes
The 30-second article
• A study set out to test the claims by a
hula hoop manufacturer that its
weighted hoop stimulated muscle
activity
• The study investigated variables
including waist and hip
circumference, torso muscular
endurance, isometric endurance and
skinfold measurements
• The researchers found a significant
decrease in hip circumference and
waist-to-hip ratio
• There was no recorded decrease in
weight, or improvement in the
isometric endurance or skinfold
measurements.
in week 2; and 15 minutes in weeks 3 to 6.
Results: The program had good
compliance, however, only a small number
(n=13) of females participated.
The
researchers found a significant improvement
(decrease) in hip circumference, which
decreased by 3.4cm, and in the waist-tohip ratio (-1.4cm). Surprisingly, there was no
decrease in weight, or improvement in the
isometric endurance (plank tests) or the sum
of 5 skinfolds over the six weeks.
The authors commented that although
there was no change in body weight, the
most probable explanation was that there
was a shift in body composition from the
torso to the upper extremity.
Pros: An interesting study, and not
unexpected to see that yet another
manufacturer’s claims are found to
be unsupported. Admittedly, we
thought we would have seen a
significant improvement in isometric
endurance. The participants did
increase their V-sit by (on average)
19 seconds. However, participants
actually worsened, slightly, on the
left side plank and Biering-Sorensen
spinal muscle evaluation. Also,
skinfolds (triceps, iliac crest and medial
calf) actually worsened.
Cons: The authors should have reported
compliance for the supervised and selftraining individually. Although a number of
their outcome variables did not improve
over time, the authors should have inquired
(via a survey) whether the participants
found the hula hoop to be an enjoyable
form of non-traditional exercise. Given the
high percentage of individuals not meeting
the American College of Sports Medicine
physical activity/exercise guidelines (>
150 minutes per week), perhaps hula
hooping could be an attractive, enjoyable
form of non-impact exercise to currently
sedentary individuals. Consumers looking
to improve health and fitness are constantly
offered new fad products with promises of
unsubstantiated results. In this case the new
fad product was a return to a historical fad, the
hula hoop. While this form of exercise may
be fun, this study is a reminder of a trainer’s
responsibility to objectively evaluate any
new fitness trends and provide appropriate
exercise choices for their clients. In the
face of exercise fads, long established
fitness methodologies often provide a more
reliable exercise option.
Associate Professor Mike Climstein, PhD
FASMF FACSM FAAESS is one of Australia’s
leading Accredited Exercise Physiologists. He is
the program director of Clinical Exercise Science
and co-director of the Water Based Research Unit
at Bond University’s Institute of Health & Sport.
[email protected]
Joe Walsh, MSc is a sport and exercise scientist.
As well as working for Charles Darwin and Bond
Universities, he is a director of Fitness Clinic in
Five Dock, Sydney. fitnessclinic.com.au
NETWORK SUMMER 2014 | 23