In this review we found that exercise interventions ( or lifestyle activities ) that improved cardiorespiratory exercise capacity showed the most positive impact on physical health .
CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that programs should facilitate and support women to participate in regular exercise by embedding physical activity programs in public health initiatives , by developing home-based exercise programs that require few re sources and by creating interventions that can incorporate physical activity within a healthy lifestyle .
The review also suggests that clinicians should consider prescribing exercise in a tailored manner for older women to ensure that it is of a high enough intensity to obtain the positive sustained effects of exercise
BACKGROUND Participation in regular physical activity is among the most promising and cost effective strategies to reduce physical and cognitive decline and premature death .
However , confusion remains about the amount , frequency , and duration of physical activity that is likely to provide maximum benefit as well as the way in which interventions should be delivered .
AIMS This paper aim ed to review research on the impact of leisure-time and general physical activity levels on physical and cognitive decline in postmenopausal women .
Improved Physical Fitness Among Older Female Participants in a Nationally Disseminated, Community-Based Exercise Program
Background . Strength training ( ST ) is an important health behavior for aging women ; it helps maintain strength and function and reduces risk for chronic diseases . This study assessed change in physical fitness following participation in a ST program implemented and evaluated by community leaders . Method . The StrongWomen Program is a nationally disseminated , research -based , community ST program active in 40 states . The Senior Fitness Test is used to assess upper and lower body strength , upper and lower body flexibility , aerobic fitness , and agility ; data are collected prior to and following program participation . Results . For these analyses , five states provided deidentified data for 367 female participants , mean age 63 ( ±11 ) years .  Attendance in approximately 10 weeks of twice-weekly classes was 69.4 % . Paired t tests were used to analyze pre – post change . Significant improvements were observed ( p < .01 ) in all Senior Fitness Test measures . Data are stratified by age-group and compared with published , age-based norms . Conclusions . This study demonstrates that it is feasible for community leaders to conduct pre – post physical fitness evaluations with participants and that participants experienced improvements across several important domains of physical fitness
In this review we found that exercise interventions ( or lifestyle activities ) that improved cardiorespiratory exercise capacity showed the most positive impact on physical health .
CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that programs should facilitate and support women to participate in regular exercise by embedding physical activity programs in public health initiatives , by developing home-based exercise programs that require few re sources and by creating interventions that can incorporate physical activity within a healthy lifestyle .
The review also suggests that clinicians should consider prescribing exercise in a tailored manner for older women to ensure that it is of a high enough intensity to obtain the positive sustained effects of exercise
BACKGROUND Participation in regular physical activity is among the most promising and cost effective strategies to reduce physical and cognitive decline and premature death .
However , confusion remains about the amount , frequency , and duration of physical activity that is likely to provide maximum benefit as well as the way in which interventions should be delivered .
AIMS This paper aim ed to review research on the impact of leisure-time and general physical activity levels on physical and cognitive decline in postmenopausal women .