Responses of adult women to programmed exercise

A group of eighty healthy women was studied following two months of programmed exercise (3 x 15 mins/per week) at 60 to 80 percent of age-predicted maximum heart rate. Physical work capacity corresponding to a heartrate of 170 bts. (PWC-170) was determined using a bicycle ergometer. Anthropometric and lung function variables were also ascertained prior to (T1) and following training (T2). The post training measurements of this exercise group, compared with measurements of a sedentary control group, displayed significant changes in PWC-170, resting systolic blood pressure and fat index. There were no significant changes in vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), strength and perceived exertion measures (RPE). The implication of these findings are discussed.