Differences in Health-Related Quality of Life and Physical Condition of Two Community-Based Exercise Programs in Subjects with Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Abstract

We compared the effect of two community-based physical activity (PA) programs on health-related quality of life (HRQL) and physical condition in people with cardiovascular risk factors. Fifty-one subjects participated in the "ACTIVA Murcia" AM(3) program characterized by non-individualized training loads for 3 months, and forty-two participated in the AM(6) program characterized by individualized progressive training loads for 6 months. Both programs included a 6-month follow-up period without PA. HRQL was assessed with the Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) and physical condition by VO(2) max, strength, flexibility, and balance. Participants in the AM(6) program as compared with those in the AM(3) program showed significantly higher scores in the subscales of physical functioning, mental health, energy/vitality, and general health. Mental health and general health at 6 months of follow-up were also scored significantly higher by AM(6) participants. VO(2) max and flexibility improved more in the AM(6) group, whereas strength was better in the AM(3) group. Half of the participants in the AM(6) program expressed a strong willingness to continue exercising vs. 38% in the AM(3) program. In this study, a community-based PA program with individualized progressive training loads of 6-month duration showed a more favorable impact on HRQL than a 3-month non-individualized PA program.