Randomized trial of physical activity in sedentary middle aged women (2006)

Physical activity is currently considered to be a possible prevention strategy for cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, either alone or in combination with dietary changes. We have conducted a randomized trial of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity in middle aged, sedentary women to determine the effects of increased activity on blood hormones and on adiposity. The present study reports changes in and correlates of quality of life and functional status of this exercise intervention program for both the short (three months) and longer term (12 months). The intervention group showed a significant increase in Mental Health score from baseline to 3 months (p<.01), that was significantly greater than the change in the control group at 3 months (p<.01). A similar trend among exercisers was observed for the General Health score (p<.01), and this finding was significantly greater than the change in control group at 3 months (p=.01). Change in Social Support - Affection were predictors of the changes in quality of life variables. This study documented improvements in quality of life and general functioning that occurred as a result of participating in an exercise intervention in sedentary middle-aged women.