The Effects Of Aerobic And/Or Resistance Training On The Sf-36 Health Survey From Strride-AT/RT

Abstract

PURPOSE: While exercise has numerous health benefits, the optimal exercise mode is unknown. Many organizations recommend aerobic training (AT) and resistance training (RT), yet few studies have compared their effects alone or in combination. The purpose of this study, as part of the Studies Targeting Risk Reduction Interventions through Defined Exercise – AT/RT (STRRIDE AT/RT), was to compare the effects of AT, RT and the combination of the complete AT and complete RT training programs on the Physical and Mental Component scores from the SF-36 Health Survey. METHODS: Subjects were 18-70 y, sedentary, overweight/obese with moderate dyslipidemia. Of those randomized, 74% or 155 subjects completed the 8-month intervention. A subset of participants (132) had complete SF-36 data pre and post training. The randomized training groups were: 1) Resistance Training (RT) (3 d/wk, 3 sets/day, 8-12 rep/set] for 8 RT exercises = 72 sets/wk (~ 135-160 min/wk), 2) Aerobic Training (AT), [equivalent to ~12 miles/wk at 65-80% peak VO2], required an average of 133 min/wk, 3) Aerobic Training + Resistance Training (AT/RT = complete RT + complete AT). RESULTS: Figures show intervention effects on change in the Physical and Mental Component scores from the SF-36 questionnaire. The p-values inside each bar indicate significant within group changes. The bars with p-values connecting 2 groups show a significant difference between groups. SUMMARY: All exercise groups experienced significant improvements in Physical Component score. However, only the AT/RT group had a significant improvement in the Mental Component score. Further, the AT/RT group experienced significantly greater improvements in both component scores compared to the AT and RT alone groups. Finally, the AT/RT group appeared to have an additive response (i.e., AT/RT = AT + RT) for the Physical Component score; whereas, the improvement in the mental component score suggests a synergistic (greater than additive) response.