Effect of step aerobic exercise on body composition and depression levels of women in menopause

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body composition and depression levels of women in menopause depending on a 8-week step-aerobic exercise. Twenty four women who have been done regular exercise and 24 sedentary women participated in the study in a voluntary basis. The measurements of height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist-hip rate, fat percentage, body density, total body fat, basal metabolic rate, fat-free mass and metabolic rate were done before and after exercise program. To determine the depression symptoms of women participated in the research, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used. As a result, step-aerobic exercise was found to be effective on the depression symptoms and body composition of the participating women in menopause. © IDOSI Publications, 2013.