Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Women{u2019}s Health

Background: Postmenopausal elderly women have an increased risk for nutritional anemia. Exercise training has a positive effect on hemoglobin mass by increasing stimulation of erythropoiesis, which assist the blood to carry bigger amount of oxygen. Purpose: This study has been conducted to investigate the effect of moderate intensity aerobic exercises on hematological values and quality of life in postmenopausal anemic women. Subjects, Materials and Methods: Thirty anemic postmenopausal women participated in this study. They were divided randomly into two equal groups in numbers, group (A) performed moderate intensity aerobic exercise in the form of walking on treadmill for 30 minutes, 3 sessions per week and one capsule daily of blood builder that contain Iron, multivitamins and essential trace elements, and group (B) followed the same treatment as group (A). Both groups evaluated via measuring the hematological values [Hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood corpuscles (RBCs) count] and assessment of the quality of life [Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and Flow State Scale (FSS)] at pre and post 3 as well as 6 months after end of the treatment. Results: There was statistically significant improvement (p<0.001) in the hematological values (Hb and RBCs) and quality of life (6MWT and FSS) between results before and after 3 as well as 6 months of treatment in both groups (A and B). Also, comparison between both groups at 3 and 6 months showed significant in the differences which favors of group (A). Conclusion: Moderate intensity aerobic exercise can increase hematological values and has a positive improvement for the quality of life in anemic post-menopausal women

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