Lisa Foley

Abstract

The purpose of this comparative, descriptive study was to ascertain the effects of exercise on serum lipid levels and muscle strength in elderly women. The theoretical framework utilized was Pender's Health Promotion Model. The null hypotheses were there will be no difference in lipid levels among elderly women who participate in a structured exercise program, those who participate in an unstructured exercise program, and those who have no exercise program; and there will be no difference in muscle strength among elderly women who participate in a structured exercise program, those who participate in an unstructured exercise program, and those who have no exercise program. A convenience sample of 101 women, ages 65 and over, was divided into three groups based on the amount of exercise reported. This sample was taken from established senior groups located in Northeast Mississippi. Measures used in this study included a self- report questionnaire, muscle strength testing per a dynamometer, and serum lipid levels. Instrumentation 1 1 1 utilized was the researcher-designed demographic survey, lipid analysis from the DADE RXL Dimension, and the Chatillon dynamometer. Data analyses utilized were descriptive statistics and ANOVA testing. Results revealed no significant differences in lipid levels between the groups. There was a significant difference in upper and lower body muscle strength. Recommendations for further study are to replicate the study excluding women on lipid- lowering drugs and replicating the study with a more culturally diverse group.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1999

Publication Number

27924580

First Advisor

Lynn Chilton

Second Advisor

Melinda E Rush

Document Type

Thesis

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