Strength training decreases the depressive symptoms and improves the health-related quality of life in older women

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of strength training, based on the perceived effort, on depressive symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of elderly women. Twenty four older women (65.6 ± 4.5 years), performed training exercise two times per week during 12 weeks. The intensity was prescribed using the BORG perceived effort scale. The Geriatric Depression Scale (EDG) was used to evaluate the depressive symptoms intensity. The HRQoL, was evaluated thought the Short Form-36 (SF-36). A significant decrease of depressive symptoms was found. The HRQoL improved in some, but not all subscales. Improvements were found at functional capacity, general heath, vitality and mental health subscales. The strength training, based on perceived effort, was an effective method to decrease the depressive symptoms and improve HRQoL on the functional capacity, general heath, vitality and mental health subscales of SF-36 on older women.