Abstract

Introduction. 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 assists the blood to carry bigger amount of oxygen. Aim. This study has been conducted to investigate the effect of moderate intensity aerobic exercises on hematological value and quality of life in postmenopausal anemic women. Methods. Thirty anemic postmenopausal women were assigned randomly into two equal groups; A) performed moderate intensity aerobic exercise in the form of walking on treadmill for 30 minutes, 3 sessions per week and B) without aerobic exercise. Both groups received the same supplement including one capsule that contain Iron supplement (10 mg) and multi vitamins as well as essential trace elements, daily. The hematological values [hemoglobin (Hb) and red blood corpuscles (RBCs) count] and assessment of the quality of life [Six-Minute Walk Test (SMWT) and Flow State Scale (FSS)] at pre and post 3 months as well as 6 months of treatment were measured and evaluated. Results. There was statistically significant improvement (p<0.001) in the Hb and RBCs values and SMWT and FSS between before and after 3 as well as 6 months of treatment in both groups. Also, comparison between both groups at 3 and 6 months showed significant differences in favors of group A. Conclusion. Aerobic exercise can increase hematological values and has a positive improvement for the quality of life in anemic post-menopausal women.