Physiological adaptations observed in middle-aged females following a 12-16 week aerobic conditioning program

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Authors
Taylor, Marchell
Advisor
Issue Date
1988
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (M.A.)
Department
School of Physical Education
Other Identifiers
Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to quantify the physiologic changes, in middle-aged (43.2 ± 10.6 years) females, associated with participation in an aerobic conditioning program. Evaluation of these females (N=192) occurred during the period of 1973 to 1987. The conditioning program consisted of vigorous aerobic exercise (walk, walk-jog, aerobic dance) at an intensity of 70-85% maximal heart rate reserve, four times per week, for 12 to 16 weeks. Variables analyzed were body weight (BW), percent body fat (%FAT), maximal heart rate (HRmax), maximal ventilation (VE), resting heart rate (RHR), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), systolic blood pressure (SBP) total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TRG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and glucose (GLU).Pre and post training data were analyzed using away ANOVA for repeated measures. The alpha level was set at p<0.05 level of significance. Significant decreases were noted for WT (2.37), %FAT (7.7%), DBP (4.0%), SBP (3.1%), RHR (7.4%), TRG (7.6%), and TC (2.6%). Significant increases were noted in HDL-C (3.2%), VO2max (ml/kg/min, 18.0%) and VE (16.6%). No changes were noted in HRmax and GLU. These data suggest that short term (3-4 months) aerobic conditioning of middle-aged females can result in significant improvements of the parameters used as measures of physical fitness.

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