The Long-Term Effect of Aquarobics Exercise Program on Physical Function and Mental Health in Elderly Women

摘要

The purpose of this study was to identify the long-term effect of aquarobics exercise program on physical function and mental health in elderly women. Fifty elderly women were participated in this study. Their ages ranged from 70–75, with a mean age of 71.62 years. The participants were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: 1. Aquarobics exercises group (n = 25). 2. Control group (n = 25). Data was analyzed using two-way ANOVAs with repeated measures of groups (aquarobics exercise group and control group) and time (pre-test and post-test). Dependent variables were cardio-respiratory endurance, muscle endurance, flexibility, balance, nimbleness, tension, depression, anger, fatigue, vigor, confusion and TMD (Total Mood Disturbance). The result of this study indicated that aquarobics exercise group had a significantly higher score than the control group in cardio-respiratory endurance, muscle endurance, flexibility, balance, nimbleness. The result of the analysis indicated that sub-factors of skill related fitness were improved. And the aquarobics exercise group had a significantly lower score than the control group in tension, depression, anger, fatigue and TMD. But the aquarobics exercise group showed higher score in vigor score relative to the control group. It was found that aquarobics exercise helped to improve physical function and enhance mental health in elderly women.