Effect Of Combined Exercise On Lung Function, Blood Vitamin D, Calcium And Bone Metabolism Hormones In Elderly Women

PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the effects of a combined exercise training regimen on lung function, blood vitamin D, calcium and bone metabolism hormones (calcitonin, osteocalcin) in elderly women. METHODS: Thirty healthy elderly female volunteers, were randomly assigned to combined exercise group (n=13) trained for 12-week or to a “non-exercise” control group (n=17). The combined exercise program was conducted for 60 minutes per session three times a week at the following intensities: Aerobic exercise intensity was 40-50%HRR (RPE 12-13) for 1-4 weeks, 50-60% HRR (RPE 13-14) for 5-8 weeks, and 60-70%HRR (RPE 14-15) for 9-12 weeks. Resistance exercise intensity was set at 3-4 in OMNI-RES for 1-4 weeks, 5-6 in OMNI-RES for 5-8 weeks, 7-8 in OMNI-RES for 9-12 weeks. RESULTS: FEV1 showed interaction effects group × time, FVC and FEV1 were significantly increased in the exercise group. Vitamin D and calcium showed interaction effects between group × time, vitamin D was significantly increased in the both group, and calcium was decreased in the control group. Calcitonin and osteocalcin of bone metabolism showed interaction effects group × time, osteocalcin was significantly decreased in control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that combined exercise were effective in improving the lung function and bone metabolism hormones in elderly women due to decreased physical activities.