ENDURANCE EXERCISE AND HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY-OF-LIFE IN 50-65 YEAR-OLD ADULTS

Health-related quality of life was evaluated in relation to endurance exercise over the prior year for 194 previously sedentary, healthy men and women aged 50-65 using a posttest-only design. Three exercise reg imens were studied that varied in format (class-based vs home-based) a nd intensity (higher vs lower). In all regimens, subjects who particip ated more had better physical health 12 months after program initiatio n (p values <.05); no differences were observed in general psychologic al well-being. Extent of participation, rather than format or intensit y of exercise, was associated with better physical health in this popu lation.