Quality of life responses after combined and aerobic water-based training programs in older women: a randomized
Mariana Silva Häfele1, Cristine L Alberton2, Gustavo Z Schaun2
1Department of Sports, Physical Education School, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), Rua Luiz de Camões, 625, Tablada, Pelotas, RS, 96055-630, Brazil. marianaesef@hotmail.com.
Background:
Quality of life (QoL) is an important health index for older adults.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to compare the effects of 16 weeks of aerobic training to 8 weeks of aerobic followed by 8 weeks of combined (i.e., resistance and aerobic exercises) training, as well as to a control group on the QoL of older women exercising in the aquatic environment.
Methods:
52 older women were first randomized to either aerobic training (n = 35) or a control group (n = 17). After 8 weeks of intervention, participants initially assigned to the aerobic training group were again randomized to either 8 additional weeks of aerobic (n = 17) or combined training (n = 18). Aerobic training was performed at the heart rate percentage associated with the anaerobic threshold, while resistance training sets were performed at maximal effort. The control group performed low-intensity water-based therapeutic exercises. QoL was assessed before (week 0) and after the intervention (week 17) using the WHOQOL-BREEF and WHOQOL-OLD questionnaires. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) and Bonferroni post hoc tests (α = 0.05) were used to compare time points and groups.
Results:
QoL improved significantly only in the training groups after the 16-week training intervention, whereas it remained unchanged in the control group. In addition, autonomy, environment, and present, past and future activities domains were more impacted after combined training.
Conclusion:
QoL improved only in the water-based training groups, and the addition of resistance exercises to the training program resulted in additional benefits to autonomy, environment, and past, present, and future activities domains.
Trial Registration:
Clinical Trials NCT03892278.
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