Effect of Eight-Week Aquatic Exercise on Life-Quality of Women Over 65

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 . Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

3 M.Sc. of Physical Education, Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.

Abstract

Introduction: One of the main goals of public health is reduction of age-related disabilities in older people. Physical activity and exercising are such techniques that can prevent, delay or treat aging problems. Some of their positive effects on quality of life among the elderly people have been observed, as well .The present study aimed to investigate the effect of eight-week aquatic exercise on quality of life in elder women over 65.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2010-2011 in Isfahan, Iran. 40 healthy women over the age of 65 were divided randomly into two groups: experimental (n=20) and control group (n=20). None of the subjects had any experience in exercise programs and history of systemic diseases but were physically active and able to perform daily activities. The experimental group participated in an aquatic exercise for six weeks, three times a week of 45 to 60 minutes while the control group was only followed up. The quality of life variables of both groups were measured by using SF-36 standard questionnaire in the beginning and end of eight weeks aquatic exercise. Data were analyzed by using dependent t-test and covariance. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The results showed significant increase in quality of life variables in the experimental group before and after eight-week aquatic exercise (P<0/05). Also, there was a significant improvement in variables of life quality in experimental group in comparison with the control group after eight-week aquatic exercise (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Regular and continuous exercise program in water can improve life-quality level of aged women from different dimensions, and pave the way for healthy aging and being healthy in this period.

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