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.

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This paper reports on fitness changes in sedentary, obese (MBMI = 32.0 kg/m2), 60- to 70-year-old women following 4 months of exercise-based intervention. One hundred eighty-two women were randomly assigned to the following groups: health and fitness education (ED) (n= 70), health and fitness education combined with aerobic training (EX) (n= 76), and control (CO) (n= 36). Pre- and postintervention assessments included predicted VO2max, body composition, resting blood pressure, muscular strength, and flexibility. Significant improvements in aerobic power (31.9%,p< .001), percent body fat (−5.4%,p< .05), and dominant hand-grip strength (4.1%,p< .001) were found in EX compared to ED and CO. Also observed was a significant improvement in flexibility for both EX (13.8%) and ED (12.5%,p< .01) compared to CO. Ninety percent (n= 164) of the women adhered to the program. Program factors contributing to adherence are discussed.

Sedentary, overweight women aged 60-70 years were assigned either to a 16-week health education group (/? = 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 followup, however, valued the perceived benefits of exercise more highly. A regular exercise program can be beneficial for sedentary older women-especially those who are overweight-because it can reduce their risks for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and musculoskeletal problems (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services [USDHHS], 1990[USDHHS], , 1996. Despite the known importance of and preponderance of media attention to exercise, more than 60% of women over age 60 participate in little or no sustained physical activity of at least moderate intensity (Caspersen & Merritt, 1992). When they do initially engage in exercise, adherence often drops dramatically after 6 months (Dishman, 1994;. This has prompted investigators to examine the factors associated with adherence to exercise programs. At the intrapersonal level, some investigations have revealed that those individuals with a greater sense of mastery or self-efficacy and those who are motivated by enjoyment or satisfaction are more likely to maintain regular exercise programs (Avers & Wharton, 1991;Clark, 1996;Lyons & Lachman, 1996;McAuley, Lox, & Duncan, 1993;Oman & McAuley, 1993). Opportunities to socialize and enjoy a sense of camaraderie, for instance, can be primary motivating factors to attend exercise classes (Gillett, 1988). Furthermore, exercise behavior is potentially reinforced when the participant perceives and enjoys its benefits (Emery & Blumenthal, 1990;Emery, Hauck, & Blumenthal, 1992;Gillett, 1988Gillett, , 1993Sharpe et al., 1997).This project was funded by a grant from the National Institute of Nursing Research (R29 NR02087).1 Cerontology Center, University of Utah. Address correspondence to Dr. Michael Caserta, University of Utah Gerontology Center, 10 S 2000 E Front, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-5880. E-mail: mike.caserta@nurs.utah.edu J College of Nursing, University of Utah, Salt Lake City.Older women are often introduced to regular exercise through programs such as community or hospital-based health education classes, where an exercise regimen is prescribed, or through supervised exercise programs, such as aerobic dance or walking clubs (Gillett, White, & Caserta, 1996;Gillett et al., 1993;King, Haskell, Taylor, Kreamer, & DeBusk, 1991). Program features that promote participation include group activities where socialization, support, and a sense of group cohesion and identity are developed, and a sense of comfort is generated from ...

Since this is the first TTM study in Taiwan, continued TTM testing is needed to adequately determine the applicability of the TTM and to identify the most effective theory-based physical activity interventions.

The findings on relationships between stage of change for physical activity, caregivers' age, relationship to the patient, and marital status represent a first step in better understanding those who do and do not intend to engage in a regularly active lifestyle among family caregivers in Taiwan. This study reveals that cultural issues may play a critical role in physical activity behaviour among Taiwanese family caregivers and need to be further investigated.

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