Aerobic, Resistance, and Combination Training on Health-Related Quality of Life: The STRRIDE-AT/RT Randomized Trial
Katherine A. Collins, Liezl B. Fos, Leanna M. Ross, Cris A. Slentz, Paul G. Davis, Leslie H. Willis, Lucy W. Piner, Lori A. Bateman, Joseph A. Houmard, William E. Kraus
Abstract
Purpose: The main purpose of this study was to determine the differential effects of aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), and a combination of aerobic and resistance training (AT/RT) on changes in self-rated HrQoL measures, including the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) survey and Satisfaction with Physical Function and Appearance survey. We also sought to determine if combination training (AT/RT) has a more or less additive effect compared to AT or RT alone on self-rated HrQoL measures. Materials and Methods: Participants ( n = 137) completed one of three 8-month exercise interventions: (1) AT: 14 kcal exercise expenditure per kg of body weight per week (KKW; equivalent to roughly 12 miles/week) at 65–80% of peak oxygen consumption; (2) RT: 3 days per week, 8 exercises, 3 sets per exercise, 8–12 repetitions per set; (3) AT/RT: full combination of the AT and RT interventions. The SF-36 survey, Satisfaction with Physical Function and Appearance survey, physical fitness, and anthropometrics were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Paired t -tests determined significant pre- vs. post-intervention scores within groups ( p < 0.05). Analyses of covariance determined differences in change scores among groups ( p < 0.05). Results: On average, participants were 49.0 ± 10.6 years old, obese (BMI: 30.6 ± 3.2 kg/m 2 ), female (57.7%), and Caucasian (84.7%). Following the 8-month intervention, exercise groups improved peak VO 2 (all groups), strength (RT and AT/RT), and anthropometric measures (AT and AT/RT). For the SF-36, RT ( p = 0.03) and AT/RT ( p < 0.001) significantly improved their physical component score; only AT/RT ( p < 0.001) significantly improved their mental component score. Notably, all groups significantly improved both their satisfaction with physical function and appearance scores (All Groups: p < 0.001 for both outcomes). Conclusions: We found that aerobic, resistance, or combination exercise training improves several components of self-rated HrQoL, including physical function, appearance, and mental well-being. Clinical Trial Registration : No. NCT00275145.