The Effect of an Aerobic Exercise Program on Obesity Indices and Physical Fitness Dimensions of Bahraini Women

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise program on body composition and physical fitness of a group of Bahraini women aged from 20-42 years. Body composition was measured by anthropometric measurement techniques. Physical fitness was measured by the YMCA fitness test battery, including: cardio-respiratory endurance (predicted VO2 max), muscular endurance (sit ups and bench press), and flexibility (sit and reach test). The exercise program consisted of three months aerobic exercise (walking/jogging), and other forms of exercises to enhance muscular endurance, strength, and flexibility. The women were measured before, during, and after the exercise program. ANOVA for repeated measures indicated significant improvements in most of the body composition measurements. Post exercise measurements compared to pre exercise measurements indicated a reduction of about 3 kg in body mass, 1% in body fat, 2.1 kg in fat mass, and 0.9 kg in fat free mass. All these changes are in agreement with those reported in the literature. The results also indicated improvements in physical fitness status of the subjects, which was significant for the cardiorespiratory endurance test, muscular endurance (sit ups test), and flexibility. In conclusion, the exercise program was shown to be effective in improving the physical and physiological aspects of the body. The adherence rate of this program was 68%.