The Effect of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Health-related Quality of Life Among Metabolic Syndrome Patients

Shin, Jin Hee; Kang, Sung gu; Kim, Min Jeong; Hwang, Yu Na; Song, Sang Wook

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Some research results indicate an association between health-related quality of life(HRQL) and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, this study was done to investigate the effects of continued aerobic exercise on health-related quality of life among subjects with metabolic syndrome.
METHODS
The subjects included 18 middle-aged females with metabolic syndrome, eight subjects in the control group, and ten subjects in the exercise group who underwent medical check-up and satisfied the criteria of NCEP-ATP III and had not exercised during the past three months. The exercise program consisted of two sports dance programs with the intensity level of 50-80% of HRR (Heart Rate Reserve) which lasted for 1 hour with a frequency of twice a week . The other exercise program involved walking at intensity level of 13 to 15 (slightly hard to hard) of RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) for 10 weeks. HRQL was measured by using the Catholic Medical Center Health survey version 1.0. and was carried out at baseline and repeated at 10th week.
RESULTS
Among the 10 domains of HRQL, 7 domains which involve health perception, change in health, satisfaction, emotional function, social function, role limitation, and general health were significantly improved in exercise group after 10 weeks. In terms of association between changes in each metabolic risk factor with changes in each HRQL in exercise group, only waist circumference was associated with satisfaction.
CONCLUSION
Aerobic exercise showed a significant positive improvement in almost all domains of HRQL among metabolic syndrome patients, especially in health perception, satisfaction, emotional function, and general health.