The Effects of 12 Weeks of a Combined Exercise Program on Physical Function and Hormonal Status in Elderly Korean Women

Ji Yu Im, Hyun Seok Bang and Dae Yun Seo
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Ji Yu Im: Department of Physical Education, Chang Won National University, Chang Won 51140, Korea
Hyun Seok Bang: Department of Physical Education, College of Health, Social Welfare and Education, Tong Myong University, Busan 48520, Korea
Dae Yun Seo: College of Medicine, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, Korea

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 21, 1-11

Abstract: Aging causes a decline in physical function and hormonal balance. Exercise can improve these parameters. However, the beneficial effects of a combined exercise program (Korean dance and yoga) on physical function and hormonal status in elderly women remain unknown. This study aims to investigate the effects of a 12-week combined exercise program on balance, flexibility, muscle strength, and hormonal status in elderly Korean women. Twenty-five healthy elderly women were recruited and randomly divided into the control (CON) and exercise (EXE) groups. The EXE group underwent the combined exercise program (60 min/day and 3 times/week) for 12 weeks. The two groups did not differ in body weight, lean body mass, fat mass, body fat percentage, or body mass index at baseline or in the changes following the experimental conditions. A significant time × group interaction was detected for anterior and posterior dynamic balance, static balance, and growth hormone (GH). After the combined exercise program, anterior dynamic balance, posterior dynamic balance, static balance, flexibility, muscle strength, GH, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, and estrogen significantly increased in the EXE group compared to the CON group. In conclusion, the combined exercise program contributed to improvements in overall health, including physical function and hormonal status, in elderly Korean women.

Keywords: elderly women; combined exercise; growth hormone; dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate; estrogen (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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