Effect of Exercises Using Park Fitness Equipment on lower Limb Muscle Function of Inactive Women

Abstract

Background and Aims This study aimed to investigate the effect of exercises using fitness equipment in parks on the lower limb muscle function of inactive women in Iran. Methods This is a prospective quasi-experimental study. The study population includes all inactive women in Tehran, Iran, aged 25-35 years. Of these, 40 women with no history of physical activity in the past year were selected using a convenience sampling method and randomly divided into two groups of control (n=20) and exercise (n=20). The training program consisted of workouts using fitness equipment in parks (sky walker, aero rider, and leg press machine) at 8 sessions, two sessions per week. The tests included Sargent jump test, triple jump test, star excursion balance test, and 6-meter single-leg timed hop test. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (to examine the normal distribution of data), and the analysis of covariance (to examine differences in variables between the two groups) in SPSS software, version 24. Results After controlling the effect of pre-test scores, there was a significant difference between the two groups in the post-test score of the parameters of muscle function, indicating that exercises using the fitness equipment in parks can affect the lower limb muscle function of inactive women. Conclusion Exercises using park fitness equipment can be used to improve the lower limb muscle function of inactive women.