Physical exercise programs at Basic Healthcare Units decrease body fat and improve the functional capacity of women over 50 years old

Aerobic and combined water-based trainings in older women: effects on strength and cardiorespiratory outcomes

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the muscular and cardiorespiratory adaptations of two water-based training programs in older women.

METHODS

Volunteers were divided between a water-based aerobic training (WBA; n=13), water-based combined training (WBC; n=11) or an active control group (CG; n=9) and those assigned to WBA and WBC exercised twice a week for 12 weeks. All outcomes of interest were assessed prior and after the intervention. The data were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE), and Bonferroni post-hoc test (α = 0.05). Aerobic training was performed at the percentage of the heart rate corresponding to the anaerobic threshold and resistance training during WBC was performed with sets at maximal effort.

RESULTS

Improvements were observed for the maximal knee extension dynamic strength (1RM) and oxygen uptake (VO2) corresponding to the second ventilatory threshold for both WBA and WBC (1RM: 16 ± 12% vs. 15 ± 16%; VO2: 20 ± 24% vs. 23 ± 13%, respectively), whereas VO2 peak improved in all three groups (WBA: 23 ± 21%; WBC: 18 ± 9%; CG: 7 ± 16%). No increase was found for horizontal chest press 1RM (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that WBA, WBC and CG are effective to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, however, only water-based training programs (WBA and WBC) appear capable of improving the maximal strength of the lower limbs.

Barriers towards exercise and physical activity of different ethnic groups in middle-aged female Singaporeans

The government has collaborated with the Health Promotion Board in coming out a bountiful of initiatives for the citizens to engage in exercise. Despite the initiatives, the obesity rate in middle-aged women is still high. This study seeks to understand and identify the vast barriers that prevent middle-aged women from exercising. Purposive sampling and semi-structured interview were conducted for the participants. The analysis of the interview revealed the significance of barriers in three areas: Priority of Family and Work Commitments, Minimal Promotion of Subsidized Initiatives by the Government, and Discrimination through the Usage of Language. It highlights that racial barriers are minimal and better time management would be appropriate to engage a healthier lifestyle. The study suggested female Singaporeans to incorporate sports in the lifestyle, more aggressive promotion of subsidized initiatives and the use of common languages (English) in the exercise class.