The impact of supervised exercise on the psychological well-being and health status of older veterans

J Appl Gerontol. 1991 Dec;10(4):469-85. doi: 10.1177/073346489101000408.

Abstract

This study examined the impact of supervised exercise on the health status (measured by the Sickness Impact Profile [SIP]) and well-being (measured by the Psychological General Well-Being Index [PGWB]) of a sample of 43 elderly veterans. The intervention consisted of 90 minutes of exercise, 3 days per week at 70% of maximal capacity. Twenty-three (53%) participants completed a 1-year follow-up. The mean PGWB score increased significantly from 83.0 +/- 15.8 to 89.4 +/- 8.9 (p = .01). Cardiovascular fitness (measured by treadmill performance) increased significantly (p = .004). Baseline SIP scores were low (little dysfunction) and changed little. The study suggests that small but significant improvements in well-being accompany physiological benefits that the elderly experience with exercise.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Attitude to Health
  • Body Image
  • Data Collection
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion / methods*
  • Health Status
  • Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499
  • Hospitals, Veterans
  • Humans
  • Male
  • North Carolina
  • Self Concept
  • Treatment Outcome*
  • Veterans / psychology*