Older women's feelings about exercise and their adherence to an aerobic regimen over time.

Sedentary, overweight women aged 60-70 years were assigned either to a 16-week health education group (n = 70) in which they were instructed to exercise aerobically on their own three times per week or to a 16-week exercise group (n = 76) that consisted of three supervised aerobic sessions per week. Regression analyses performed at post-test and at 3-, 6-, and 18-months follow-up revealed that exercise frequency was not explained by group membership, but often was negatively associated with placing a greater value on exercising with peers. Those who were exercising more often at 6- and 18-months follow-up, however, valued the perceived benefits of exercise more highly. The findings of this study suggest the importance of emphasizing strategies that stress the intrinsically motivating benefits of exercise, as well as building into programs those aspects of exercise valued by the participants.

The nurse as exercise leader.

Adherence rates to our nurse-led exercise interventions were considerably higher (88%) than those reported in the literature for overweight women of this age. Bonding between the women and the nurse leaders, as well as socialization opportunities and program design, may have contributed to this high rate. Future studies would be strengthened by comparing adherence rates of women between nurse-led and non-nurse-led exercise groups. Women tested at 3 and 6 months after the intervention stated they tried many fitness clubs and spas in the area, but could find no exercise programs that were tailored to their age and fitness level or that took into consideration their individual health needs. Nurses interested and knowledgeable about changes of aging are in an ideal position to develop and lead exercise programs for older individuals, particularly those with chronic nondisabling physical problems. Nurses in this study have expanded their health-promotion role by gaining knowledge and skills in exercise science. Resources available for any nurse to gain knowledge and experience about exercise are found in the resource list.

Self-reported factors influencing exercise adherence in overweight women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intensity-controlled, graded dance exercise and selected components of behavior modification on exercise adherence in overweight middle-aged women. Thirty-eight moderately overweight women, aged 35 to 58, participated in a 16 1/2 week dance exercise program. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 20) that received intensity-controlled, graded exercise and individual and group reinforcement, or to a control group (n = 18) that exercised at a moderate intensity typical of commercial fitness classes and received no special reinforcement. Before exercise training began and at the completion of 16 1/2 weeks, a structured, open-ended interview was conducted. Ninety-four percent of the women in both groups adhered to the program, an exceptionally high adherence rate for this population. Eight participant-identified factors seemed to have influenced exercise adherence: group homogeneity, carpooling and social networks, pleasurable feelings associated with increased energy and fitness, leader with a health-related background, time limitation of exercise program, commitment to an established goal, desire to change body image, and desire to change health status and improve physical health.

The effect of intensity controlled aerobic dance exercise on aerobic capacity of middle-aged, overweight women.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of intensity controlled exercise on the aerobic capacity of overweight, middle-aged women. Thirty-eight moderately overweight women, ages 35-57, participated in a 16-week dance-exercise program. Random assignment was made to an experimental group (n = 20) in which intensity of exercise was controlled and prescribed, and a control group (n = 18) in which exercise was of an intensity typical to commercial aerobic classes. Prior to the onset of training, and at the completion of 16 weeks, the following fitness tests were administered: Aerobic capacity expressed as VO2 max, body composition analysis, blood chemistry, blood pressure, resting heart rate, muscular endurance, and flexibility. T-tests, ANCOVA, and gain-score analyses were utilized to evaluate data. Both groups showed small changes in weight, percent fat, resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), muscular endurance, and flexibility, but these changes were statistically nonsignificant. The VO2 max for the experimental group increased 41%, while the VO2 max for the control group increased 22% (p less than 0.05). The results suggest that the cardiovascular fitness changes for overweight, middle-aged women are greater when exercise intensity and progression are tailored to their age and fitness level.