Exercise prescription for Iranian midlife women.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a multimodal intervention (including the Women's Wellness Program) on increasing levels of physical activity in Iranian midlife women.

STUDY DESIGN

This 12-week study was conducted in women aged 50-65 years living in the general population. Women who were allocated to the intervention group (n = 40) received an intervention, which combined a multimodal program of physical activity and health education. Women in the control group continued their normal physical activities (n = 45).

MEAN OUTCOME MEASURE

The women completed a questionnaire that included measures for items of interest for this analysis, such as menopausal status, sociodemographic, and exercise and activity levels.

RESULTS

Analysis of covariance indicated that the intervention was effective in improving women's physical activity. The test showed that there was a significant difference between intervention and control in current vigorous activity.

CONCLUSION

Physical activity should be encouraged for prevention and reduction of risks for chronic disease and for improvement of health in midlife women. The multimodal intervention program may offer implications for designing and implementing exercise interventions in further studies.