| Description |
Sedentary, 55-70 year-old men and women participated in a study designed to determine the effects of aerobic exercise on the cardiovascular system. An experimental design with repeated measures was used. The experimental group 0^=13) participated in four months of supervised aerobic exercise training consisting of walking or jogging, while the control group (N=15) received nonaerobic stretching exercises. Dependent variables studied were: heart rate, blood pressure, maximal oxygen consumption physical work capacity, and ectopic arrhythmias. Gains in maximal oxygen consumption were significantly different between groups (t= 1.19, p < .066), with the experimental group improving 27% and the control group 8%. Both the experimental and control group had significant pre-post gains in maximal oxygen consumption, maximal work rate and time on the treadmill (p. < .05). Although not statistically significant, both groups had decreases in resting heart rate, systolic blood pressure at rest, and the number of premature ventricular contractions during exercise. Posttest qualitative data revealed self-reported improvements in sleep habits, exercise patterns, reduction in the use of medications, and an increased feeling of well-being following both programs. It appears that stretching exercises as well as aerobic exercises can induce beneficial hemodynamic and lifestyle changes in the elderly. |
