The effects of a 12 week group exercise programme on physiological and psychological variables and function in overweight women aged 55-70 years

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12 week class-based exercise programme on overweight women aged 55-70 years. Methods: Twenty six subjects (n=13 exercisers, n=13 controls) age (mean +/-s.d.) 63 (+/-4) years completed the study. The exercise sessions were carried out twice per week for 12 weeks. The variables measured were body mass, body mass index (BMI), skinfold thickness, resting blood pressure, total blood cholesterol, chair rise, timed 'Up and Go' Test, 20 Metre Walk, lifting a 1kg and 2kg bag onto a shelf, stair walking, sit and reach flexibility test and Life Satisfaction. The exercise sessions consisted of 40 minute sessions during which the subjects performed aerobic, strength and flexibility exercises. Results: Paired analyses showed that the exercise group decreased significantly for body mass, BMI, blood pressure (systolic and diastolic values), "up & go" time, time to complete a 20M walk, time to lift a 1kg bag with the right arm onto a shelf and a 2kg bag with both the right and left arms, stair climbing (total time and ascent time). The exercise group significantly improved their Life Satisfaction Index score compared with the control group. Conclusions: The results indicate that a class-based exercise programme has the potential to improve performance in a number of physiological variables and functional activities in overweight women. The exercise programme enhanced life satisfaction