Effects of the aerobic training on components of health related-physical fitness in adult women

Abstract

To analyze the effects of the aerobic training on components of physical fitness in adult women. Forty women aged above 40 years were selected; 20 of them participated regularly on the program (Experimental Group), with above 55% of maximum heart rate, one hour a day, five times a week, during five months. The control group was composed by the others 20 women. The Rikli and Jones (1999) tests were used to evaluate physical fitness. Non-parametric statistics were used to compare the scores of components of physical fitness with p < 0.05. The two Groups did not differ significantly in relation to age, body mass index, family income and the results of the tests at the beginning of the program. After five months of the program, the experimental group showed a significant improvement in the performance in the tests in comparison with pre-program and control group. The regular practice of oriented walking used in this study contributed to the improvement of the health-related physical fitness in a group of adult women submitted to five months of aerobic training.