Paper
Saturday, July 24, 2004
Outcomes of Aerobic and Strengthening Exercise Program for Women
Margaret Louis, RN, PhD and Susan Kowalski, RN, PhD. School of Nursing, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| Learning Objective #1: Identify the aerobic and strengthening exercises recommended for a 30-minute three times a week program
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| Learning Objective #2: Describe the health indicator outcomes that can be expected from participation in aerobic and strengthening exercise program
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The value of aerobic exercise and strength training has been shown to reduce risks of disease as well as build muscle mass and reverse the effects of sluggish metabolism. However, most programs as not well adhered to due to the time required. The program under study recommends only 30 minutes 3 times a week. Objective: Determine the outcome on selected health indicators for women who use aerobic and strengthening exercises for only 30 minutes 3 times a week. Design: Comparative Population: Women 21 and over who participate in a structured aerobic and strengthening exercise program. Sample: Convenience sample of 134 women 21 to 81 who participated over a 6 month period in the exercise program. Setting: Woman’s gym in a Southwestern city Year: 2003 Intervention and Outcome Variables: Frequency of participation in aerobic and strengthening exercise program by age and health indicators of weight, BMI, body fat, and body measurements. Methods: Participants self-selected the days and times of week to participate in the 30 minute exercise program. Full body strengthening exercises used machines while the aerobics consisted of jogging. These were followed by a set of stretching maneuvers. Findings: There was a positive relationship between participation only 3 times a week and weight, body fat and body measurements. Age and more frequent participation were not a significant factors in the health indicator outcomes. Conclusions: Women who participate at least 3 times a week in at least 30 minutes of aerobic and strengthening exercises showed a statistical improvement in the selected health indicators. Implications: Nurses can use these findings to encourage female client’s participation in exercise programs (aerobic and strengthening exercises) for only 30 minutes 3 times a week to enhance health indicators. This type of program can more easily be adhered to by women with busy schedules.
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