EFFECTS OF THREE MODES OF EXERCISE TRAINING PROGRAMME ON BODY MASS INDEX OF ADULTS

Abstract

The study examined the effects of three modes of exercise training programme: aerobics exercise, resistance exercise and combination of aerobics and resistance exercise on Body Mass Index among senior non-teaching staff in University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria, after a 12-week training programme. Age ranged from 45-55 years. The study adopted pretest posttest research design. The participants were subjected to the three modes of the exercise training programme lasting 30 minutes, performed three times a week. Data were collected on the body weight using a bathroom weighing scaleand height of the participants with calibrated wall. The data collected were analyzed with descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). There was significant difference in the pretest and posttest values of Body Mass Index of the participants after exposure to aerobics exercise, resistance exercise and combination of aerobics/resistance exercise training programmes [F(3,47) =24.732, p=0.000]. It was observed that there was reduction in the Body Mass Index of experimental groups: Aerobics exercise from pretest value of 31.08 to 28.92, resistance exercise from pretest value of 32.42 to 28.35 and combination of aerobics/resistance from pretest value of 32.54 to 30.38. the study identified the training programmes as a means of reducing Body Mass Index from increasing to the level of high risk for diseases. It is suggested that adults should take part in the training programme three times a week, so as to enhance their fitness status.