TY - JOUR
T1 - A Pilot 6-Week Lifestyle Intervention in Women Aged 50+ in Ireland
AU - Cooper, Diane
AU - Bolton, John
AU - Kavanagh, Ruth
AU - Keaver, Laura
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2022 the Author(s).
PY - 2022
Y1 - 2022
N2 - Introduction: The deleterious effects of ageing and inactivity are compounded by the menopause which typically occurs in females aged 50+. The menopause is associated with unfavourable changes in body composition including decreased skeletal muscle mass, bone density and increased adipose tissue. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 6-week community-based intervention on nutrition knowledge and physical, metabolic, and cardiovascular health of women aged 50+ years. Methods: Nineteen participants (57 ± 6 years, 32.4 ± 7.2 kg/m2) completed the intervention consisting of 2 hours of aerobic training (home-based/participant led), 2 hours of concurrent training (instructor led) and one 60-minute health workshop per week. General nutrition knowledge was assessed using an adapted validated questionnaire. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition and waist circumference were measured pre and post intervention. Lower body strength endurance and cardiovascular endurance were assessed using sit-to-stand and 6-minute walk tests respectively. Point-of-care testing determined fasting glucose and lipid profile. Results: There were significant reductions in body weight (-2.2 ± 2.0 kg, p < 0.01), BMI (-0.9 ± 0.8 kg/m2, p < 0.05), percent body fat (-1.1 ± 0.5%, p < 0.05), waist circumference (-2.4 ± 0.5 cm, p < 0.05) and fasting glucose (-0.6 ± 0.8 mmol/L) post intervention. General nutrition knowledge score (5.8 ± 0.05, p < 0.05), 6-minute walk test (Mdn = 82.5, IQR = 49.5, p < 0.05) and sit-to-stand performance increased (11.5 ± 4.5 repetitions, p < 0.05) significantly. Discussion: This intervention successfully improved body weight, BMI, body fat percent, waist circumference, fasting glucose, general nutrition knowledge, cardiovascular fitness, and lower body strength of participants. Metabolic health improved with a trend towards improved cardiovascular health.
AB - Introduction: The deleterious effects of ageing and inactivity are compounded by the menopause which typically occurs in females aged 50+. The menopause is associated with unfavourable changes in body composition including decreased skeletal muscle mass, bone density and increased adipose tissue. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 6-week community-based intervention on nutrition knowledge and physical, metabolic, and cardiovascular health of women aged 50+ years. Methods: Nineteen participants (57 ± 6 years, 32.4 ± 7.2 kg/m2) completed the intervention consisting of 2 hours of aerobic training (home-based/participant led), 2 hours of concurrent training (instructor led) and one 60-minute health workshop per week. General nutrition knowledge was assessed using an adapted validated questionnaire. Body weight, body mass index (BMI), body composition and waist circumference were measured pre and post intervention. Lower body strength endurance and cardiovascular endurance were assessed using sit-to-stand and 6-minute walk tests respectively. Point-of-care testing determined fasting glucose and lipid profile. Results: There were significant reductions in body weight (-2.2 ± 2.0 kg, p < 0.01), BMI (-0.9 ± 0.8 kg/m2, p < 0.05), percent body fat (-1.1 ± 0.5%, p < 0.05), waist circumference (-2.4 ± 0.5 cm, p < 0.05) and fasting glucose (-0.6 ± 0.8 mmol/L) post intervention. General nutrition knowledge score (5.8 ± 0.05, p < 0.05), 6-minute walk test (Mdn = 82.5, IQR = 49.5, p < 0.05) and sit-to-stand performance increased (11.5 ± 4.5 repetitions, p < 0.05) significantly. Discussion: This intervention successfully improved body weight, BMI, body fat percent, waist circumference, fasting glucose, general nutrition knowledge, cardiovascular fitness, and lower body strength of participants. Metabolic health improved with a trend towards improved cardiovascular health.
KW - aerobic fitness
KW - ageing
KW - health
KW - muscle strength
KW - nutrition knowledge
KW - women
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85140413243&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.5334/PAAH.195
DO - 10.5334/PAAH.195
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85140413243
SN - 2515-2270
VL - 6
SP - 180
EP - 188
JO - Physical Activity and Health
JF - Physical Activity and Health
IS - 1
ER -