effect of six-week aerobic training program on cardiovascular fitness, body composition and mental health among female students

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of six-week aerobic training program including running and rope skipping on cardiovascular fitness, body mass index [BMI], and mental health among female students at the University of Isfahan, Iran. In this interventional study we included 30 female students in academic year 2011-12. The participants were randomly assigned in experimental group [n=15, mean +/- SD for age=26.06 +/- 1.18, weight [kg]=57.43 +/- 5.67, height [cm]=160.06 +/- 4.16] and control group [n=15, mean +/- SD for age=26.33 +/- 1.30, weight=57.66 +/- 5.08, height=161.86 +/- 3.29]. Pre-test and post-test measurements include VO2 max with Queen Step test; BMI and General Health Questionnaire-28 as a measure of mental health were done. Analysis of covariance [ANCOVA] was used to test the effects of aerobic training as intervention [P<0.05]. There was statistically significance difference between experimental and control groups after adjustment for their own baseline values concerning cardiovascular fitness [P=0.004], BMI [P<0.001] and mental health indices [P<0.001]. A six-week aerobic practice improves cardiovascular strength, mental health and BMI considerably and could be more encouraged at universities