Effects of moderate exercise on the habitual level of physical activity and physical working capacity in middle-aged and older women
Kensuke IWAOKA
Habitual level of physical activity, walking abilities, lower muscle strength, and bone mineral density (BMD) were assessed in 6 sedentary women (43-66 yr) before and after 10 wk of exercise training (60 minute 1 day/wk 6070% HRmax). The training program consisted of stretching exercise, rhythmic calisthenics with and without dumbbells, and badminton. The habitual level of physical activity evaluated by the averaged daily pedometer count for the last 3 wk was significant- ly increased by 10.30o (p＜0.05) compared with that for the first 3 wk. Training significantly improved the 10 m zigzag walk time, 3 mm shuttle walk distance, and maximal isometric plantar flexion strength by an average of 12.7, 18.1, and 34.80o (p＜0.05), respectively. Post-training BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck was unchanged compared with that 5 wk before training. These results suggest that low-frequency, moderate-intensity training can elevate the habitual level of physical activity, and that walking ability and muscle strength are sensitive and good variables for assessing physical functional capacity in middle-aged and older sedentary women.
