Physical activity based intervention program on health, bone mineral density and fitness status for rheumatology patient over 60 years of age

Study aim: regular physical activity is important both for the prevention of illnesses and for rehabilitation purposes because it has significant impact on the physical and mental health of the elderly. The purpose of this study was to assess whether two different half-year regular training programmes had positive effects on health dimensions, bone mineral density, and fitness status in population of women aged over 60 years.

Material and methods: older women were assessed in a supervised exercise trial conducted at a rheumatology centre. A half-year intervention program involved 45 women (N = 45) aged over 60 years in Hungary. The sample was randomly divided into three groups. The “Training group” (n = 14; M age 64.07 years) did physical exercises three times per week. The “Mental group” (n = 16; M age 67.88 years) had two physical exercise sessions and one group discussion session about healthy lifestyle. The “Control group” (n = 15; M age 63.73 years) was not involved in any activities. Physical and mental health status (SF-36), bone mineral density (BMD), and fitness status (FFFT) were analysed.

Results: repeated measures ANOVA produced a significant main effect (F = 2389; p < 0.001). The differences between the “Training” and “Control” groups (p < 0.01) and between the “Mental” and “Control” groups (p < 0.05) were meaningful. The Group x Time comparison was significant in six scales of health status measurements; two scales of bone mineral density grew significantly. All the fitness test variables show significant results in between subjects effect.

Conclusions: both the Training and Mental groups significantly contributed to a better health status of the participants.