The Effect of Six-Week Aerobic Training Program on Cardiovascular Fitness, Body Composition and Mental Health among Female Students

Background: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of six-week aerobic training program including running and rope skipping on cardiovascular fitness, body mass index (BMI), and mental health among female students at the University of Isfahan, Iran. Methods: In this interventional study we included 30 female students in academic year 2011-12. The participants were randomly assigned in experimental group (n=15, mean +/- SD for age=26.06 +/- 1.18, weight (kg)=57.43 +/- 5.67, height (cm)=160.06 +/- 4.16) and control group (n=15, mean +/- SD for age=26.33 +/- 1.30, weight=57.66 +/- 5.08, height=161.86 +/- 3.29). Pre-test and post-test measurements include VO2 max with Queen Step test; BMI and General Health Questionnaire-28 as a measure of mental health were done. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the effects of aerobic training as intervention (P<0.05). Results: There was statistically significance difference between experimental and control groups after adjustment for their own baseline values concerning cardiovascular fitness (P=0.004), BMI (P<0.001) and mental health indices (P<0.001). Conclusions: A six-week aerobic practice improves cardiovascular strength, mental health and BMI considerably and could be more encouraged at universities.