Débora Godoy-Izquierdo1, Nicolás Mendoza Ladrón de Guevara, Mercedes Vélez Toral, Carlos de Teresa Galván, Alberto Salamanca Ballesteros, Juan F Godoy García. 1. 1Health Psychology & Behavioural Medicine Research Group (CTS-267), Facultad de Psicología, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, Granada, Spain 2Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamiento Psicológico, Facultad de Psicología, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, Granada, Spain 3Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Facultad de Medicina, University of Granada, Avd Madrid, Granada, Spain 4Centro Andaluz de Medicina del Deporte, Consejería de Cultura y Deporte, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Granada, Spain.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study explored the multidimensional outcomes that resulted from the adherence to regular exercise among previously sedentary postmenopausal women. The exercise was managed through a supervised, multicomponent, adapted approximately 20-week program in a suited health promotion intervention. METHODS: A multigroup, mixed-design study with between-group (intervention, sedentary, and active women) and within-subject measures (baseline, postintervention, and 3- and 12-month follow-ups) was conducted using intention-to-treat methodology. The Cervantes Scale assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and several indicators of cardio-metabolic status and fitness were also assessed. RESULTS: After the intervention, the participants experienced positive changes in short and long-term physical and mental health, with significant enhancements in several HRQoL dimensions, particularly mental well-being and menopause-related health and subdomains. Improvements were maintained or continued (eg, mental well-being) throughout the period, leading up to the 12-month follow-up. These outcomes were accompanied by significant improvements in cardio-metabolic status and fitness, including weight, body mass index, cardio-respiratory fitness, and flexibility. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings parallel previous empirical evidence showing the benefits associated with regular exercise, and add evidence to the association of positive outcomes in HRQoL with improvements in cardio-metabolic health and fitness status after the adoption of an active lifestyle.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: This study explored the multidimensional outcomes that resulted from the adherence to regular exercise among previously sedentary postmenopausal women. The exercise was managed through a supervised, multicomponent, adapted approximately 20-week program in a suited health promotion intervention. METHODS: A multigroup, mixed-design study with between-group (intervention, sedentary, and active women) and within-subject measures (baseline, postintervention, and 3- and 12-month follow-ups) was conducted using intention-to-treat methodology. The Cervantes Scale assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and several indicators of cardio-metabolic status and fitness were also assessed. RESULTS: After the intervention, the participants experienced positive changes in short and long-term physical and mental health, with significant enhancements in several HRQoL dimensions, particularly mental well-being and menopause-related health and subdomains. Improvements were maintained or continued (eg, mental well-being) throughout the period, leading up to the 12-month follow-up. These outcomes were accompanied by significant improvements in cardio-metabolic status and fitness, including weight, body mass index, cardio-respiratory fitness, and flexibility. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings parallel previous empirical evidence showing the benefits associated with regular exercise, and add evidence to the association of positive outcomes in HRQoL with improvements in cardio-metabolic health and fitness status after the adoption of an active lifestyle.