Moderate intensity aerobic exercise effects on the quality of life and general health

Abstract

Objective: Effects of regular physical activity on the human health is an important factor for the life quality parameters. The present study aimed to determine effects of moderate aerobic exercise on the life quality and human health. Materials and Methods: There were three groups (competitive cyclists, recreational cyclists and control) who voluntarily participated in this study. The cyclists of the National Bicycle Federation who could continue trainings during the Corona virus pandemic (n: 50), cyclists of the amateur clubs (n: 50) and 50 sedentary adults (≥19 years) were enrolled (n:150). World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Abbreviated Version - WHOQOL-BREF-TR was used to determine participants' life qualities. Results: Competitive cyclists trained for 13.33 (±7.24) hours per week and they had 4798 min/week MET values. Subgroup scores of WHQOL-BREF-TR (physical, psychological, social, environmental, national environment, general life quality and health) were found to be higher in competitive cyclists than others (recreational cyclists and sedentary adults). In addition, the values of competitive and amateur cyclists in the physical health level parameters were higher than the control group. Competitive cyclists had higher scores for psychological, social health and general life quality subgroups than others (p<0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that if physical activity level increases, general health status and life quality increase. As a result of the study, it was found that moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (2600-4800 MET-min/week energy expenditure) between 7-13 hours a week supports the protection of general health and has positive effects on life quality. There is a need for future research to determine different exercise types, intensity, frequency and their effects on the general health status and life quality.