Exercise Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):216-221
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050006
To assess the effects of aerobic physical exercise on the Doppler velocimetry of fetal vessels in pregnant women with no clinical or obstetrical complications.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 healthy low-risk pregnant women at 2 different gestational times: between the 26th and 29th week and 6 days, and at the end of pregnancy, between the 30th and 35th week. The patients were submitted to aerobic physical exercise on a treadmill until reaching fatigue. Ultrasonographic data were obtained at rest and after physical exercise (Doppler velocimetry indices for the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus, and uterine arteries). Data were analyzed statistically by the paired and independent Student's t-test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) package, version 21.0.
A change in the pulsatility index was observed, with an indication of vasodilatation, with a median value of 1.1±0.1 before exercise and of 1.0±0.1 after exercise; the median value of the resistance index was 0.7±0.04 before exercise and 0.6±0.07 after exercise. The median systole/diastole ratio of the umbilical artery was 3.1±0.4 before exercise and 2.9±0.2 (p=0.03) after exercise at the beginning of pregnancy. No changes in the Doppler velocimetry parameters were observed for the uterine arteries, the middle cerebral artery or the ductus venosus after physical activity at either testing time. Paired analysis of pre- and post-activity data showed a reduction of resistance from the first to the second period (p<0.04).
Physical exercise does not lead to changes in systemic blood flow or fetal-placental flow in healthy pregnant women, confirming that exercises of mild to moderate intensity can be prescribed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(5):216-221
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400050006
To assess the effects of aerobic physical exercise on the Doppler velocimetry of fetal vessels in pregnant women with no clinical or obstetrical complications.
A cross-sectional study was conducted on 10 healthy low-risk pregnant women at 2 different gestational times: between the 26th and 29th week and 6 days, and at the end of pregnancy, between the 30th and 35th week. The patients were submitted to aerobic physical exercise on a treadmill until reaching fatigue. Ultrasonographic data were obtained at rest and after physical exercise (Doppler velocimetry indices for the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, ductus venosus, and uterine arteries). Data were analyzed statistically by the paired and independent Student's t-test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) package, version 21.0.
A change in the pulsatility index was observed, with an indication of vasodilatation, with a median value of 1.1±0.1 before exercise and of 1.0±0.1 after exercise; the median value of the resistance index was 0.7±0.04 before exercise and 0.6±0.07 after exercise. The median systole/diastole ratio of the umbilical artery was 3.1±0.4 before exercise and 2.9±0.2 (p=0.03) after exercise at the beginning of pregnancy. No changes in the Doppler velocimetry parameters were observed for the uterine arteries, the middle cerebral artery or the ductus venosus after physical activity at either testing time. Paired analysis of pre- and post-activity data showed a reduction of resistance from the first to the second period (p<0.04).
Physical exercise does not lead to changes in systemic blood flow or fetal-placental flow in healthy pregnant women, confirming that exercises of mild to moderate intensity can be prescribed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(2):84-89
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032014000200007
To identify and relate body fat percentage (skin fold measures), body mass index
(BMI) and age at menarcheto aerobic capacity using the indirect VO2
maximum value (VO2 max) of girls in the second cycle of primary school.
A total of 197 girls aged 13.0±1.2 years on average, students from two public
schools in the city of Atibaia in São Paulo, were evaluated. Anthropometric
evaluation of skin folds was performed using the Slaughter protocol for teenage
girls, and BMI (kg/m2) was based on "Z score" (graphic of percentile)
according to WHO recommendations. The Léger protocol was used to determine
VO2 max. Pearson linear regression and the Student t-test were used
for statistical analysis.
22.3% of the girls were overweight and 3.5% were obese according to the
classification proposed by the WHO; 140 (71.1%) girls reported menarche. The
average age at menarche was 12.0±1.0 years and was significantly higher in the
group with normal BMI (12.2±0.9 years) than in the overweight or obese groups
(11.6±1.0 years). The average indirect VO2 max value was 39.6±3.7
mL/kg/min, ranging from 30.3 to 50.5 mL/kg/min. The advance of chronological age
and early age at menarche were positively correlated with lower VO2 max
values.
This study showed that 25.8% of the girls had aBMI value above WHO
recommendations. Girls with higher BMI and higher body fat percentage had lower
VO2 max. The earlier age at menarche and the advance of
chronological age were the most important factors for the reduction of aerobic
capacity. The ageat menarche was higher in girls with adequate BMI compared
tooverweight or obese girls.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(2):84-89
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032014000200007
To identify and relate body fat percentage (skin fold measures), body mass index
(BMI) and age at menarcheto aerobic capacity using the indirect VO2
maximum value (VO2 max) of girls in the second cycle of primary school.
A total of 197 girls aged 13.0±1.2 years on average, students from two public
schools in the city of Atibaia in São Paulo, were evaluated. Anthropometric
evaluation of skin folds was performed using the Slaughter protocol for teenage
girls, and BMI (kg/m2) was based on "Z score" (graphic of percentile)
according to WHO recommendations. The Léger protocol was used to determine
VO2 max. Pearson linear regression and the Student t-test were used
for statistical analysis.
22.3% of the girls were overweight and 3.5% were obese according to the
classification proposed by the WHO; 140 (71.1%) girls reported menarche. The
average age at menarche was 12.0±1.0 years and was significantly higher in the
group with normal BMI (12.2±0.9 years) than in the overweight or obese groups
(11.6±1.0 years). The average indirect VO2 max value was 39.6±3.7
mL/kg/min, ranging from 30.3 to 50.5 mL/kg/min. The advance of chronological age
and early age at menarche were positively correlated with lower VO2 max
values.
This study showed that 25.8% of the girls had aBMI value above WHO
recommendations. Girls with higher BMI and higher body fat percentage had lower
VO2 max. The earlier age at menarche and the advance of
chronological age were the most important factors for the reduction of aerobic
capacity. The ageat menarche was higher in girls with adequate BMI compared
tooverweight or obese girls.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(5):210-214
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000500004
PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between the level of physical activity and the incidence of premenstrual syndrome. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was conducted on 71 apparently healthy university students (24.4±4.8 yrs; 61.5±8.7 kg; 1.63±0.06 m). The level of physical activity was determined with a questionnaire and the presence of premenstrual syndrome was verified based on daily symptoms self-reported in a diary during two consecutive menstrual cycles. 17 premenstrual symptoms are considered in the diary, which should be scored on a 5-point scale (0-4) according to their occurrence, so that a score can be calculated in each cycle. The occurrence of premenstrual syndrome was considered if three or more symptoms were reported up to six days before menstruation (premenstrual period) and were absent up to six days after menstruation (postmenstrual period). RESULTS: The Spearman correlation coefficient showed a significant and negative relationship between the level of physical activity and premenstrual syndrome score (r=-0.506; 95%CI -0.335 to -0.678; p<0.001). When the participants were divided into a group with a positive diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome (n=31) and a healthy group (n=40), the Mann-Whitney test showed higher habitual physical activity in the healthy group than in the premenstrual syndrome group (7.96±1.17 and 6.63±1.20, respectively) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a negative relationship between the level of physical activity and the incidence of premenstrual syndrome, with women with a positive diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome having a lower level of physical activity than healthy women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(5):210-214
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000500004
PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between the level of physical activity and the incidence of premenstrual syndrome. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was conducted on 71 apparently healthy university students (24.4±4.8 yrs; 61.5±8.7 kg; 1.63±0.06 m). The level of physical activity was determined with a questionnaire and the presence of premenstrual syndrome was verified based on daily symptoms self-reported in a diary during two consecutive menstrual cycles. 17 premenstrual symptoms are considered in the diary, which should be scored on a 5-point scale (0-4) according to their occurrence, so that a score can be calculated in each cycle. The occurrence of premenstrual syndrome was considered if three or more symptoms were reported up to six days before menstruation (premenstrual period) and were absent up to six days after menstruation (postmenstrual period). RESULTS: The Spearman correlation coefficient showed a significant and negative relationship between the level of physical activity and premenstrual syndrome score (r=-0.506; 95%CI -0.335 to -0.678; p<0.001). When the participants were divided into a group with a positive diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome (n=31) and a healthy group (n=40), the Mann-Whitney test showed higher habitual physical activity in the healthy group than in the premenstrual syndrome group (7.96±1.17 and 6.63±1.20, respectively) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: There is a negative relationship between the level of physical activity and the incidence of premenstrual syndrome, with women with a positive diagnosis of premenstrual syndrome having a lower level of physical activity than healthy women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(9):414-419
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000900005
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of an exercise program on fat mass (FM), visceral fat area (VFA), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) of post-menopausal women. METHODS: A sample of 169 women (56.8±6.4 years) was randomized into an exercise group (EG, n=91) and a control group (CG=78). The first performed 12 months of physical exercise, including step, weight training and flexibility, with three weekly sessions of 60 minutes each. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) and the corporal composition were evaluated by octopolar InBody 720 bioimpedance and the food record method was considered. The variables modification rates were determined and the comparison of the average values was realized by Student's t-test, with the level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: In absolute terms, the CG increased (p<0.01) the FM (1.8%) and VFA (3.9 cm²) and worsened muscle condition (-1.06%), with consequences for BMR (-27.9 kcal/day). Differences were found (p<0.05) between the EG and the CG for Δ% FM (-4.2%), ΔVFA (-4.00 cm²), ΔSM (3.09%), ΔSMI (0.03%) and ΔBMR (2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that exercise attenuated the increase in the levels of total and central adiposity and muscle loss associated with menopause and aging.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2012;34(9):414-419
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032012000900005
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of an exercise program on fat mass (FM), visceral fat area (VFA), skeletal muscle mass (SMM) and skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) of post-menopausal women. METHODS: A sample of 169 women (56.8±6.4 years) was randomized into an exercise group (EG, n=91) and a control group (CG=78). The first performed 12 months of physical exercise, including step, weight training and flexibility, with three weekly sessions of 60 minutes each. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) and the corporal composition were evaluated by octopolar InBody 720 bioimpedance and the food record method was considered. The variables modification rates were determined and the comparison of the average values was realized by Student's t-test, with the level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: In absolute terms, the CG increased (p<0.01) the FM (1.8%) and VFA (3.9 cm²) and worsened muscle condition (-1.06%), with consequences for BMR (-27.9 kcal/day). Differences were found (p<0.05) between the EG and the CG for Δ% FM (-4.2%), ΔVFA (-4.00 cm²), ΔSM (3.09%), ΔSMI (0.03%) and ΔBMR (2.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that exercise attenuated the increase in the levels of total and central adiposity and muscle loss associated with menopause and aging.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(12):388-394
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001200003
PURPOSE: to compare the blood pressure and oxygen consumption (VO2) responses between pregnant and non-pregnant women, during cycle ergometer exercise on land and in water. METHODS: ten pregnant (27 to 29 weeks of gestation) and ten non-pregnant women were enrolled. Two cardiopulmonary tests were performed on a cycle ergometer (water and land) at the heart rate corresponding to VO2, over a period of 30 minutes each. Exercise measurements consisted of recording blood pressure every five minutes, and heart rate and VO2 every 20 seconds. Two-way ANOVA was used and α=0.05 (SPSS 17.0). RESULTS: there was no difference in cardiovascular responses between pregnant and non-pregnant women during the exercise. The Pregnant Group demonstrated significant differences in systolic (131.6±8.2; 142.6±11.3 mmHg), diastolic (64.8±5.9; 74.5±5.3 mmHg), and mean blood pressure (87.0±4.1; 97.2±5.7 mmHg), during water and land exercise, respectively. The Non-pregnant women Group also had a significantly lower systolic (130.5±8.4; 135.9±8.7 mmHg), diastolic (67.4±5.7; 69.0±10.1 mmHg), and mean blood pressure (88.4±4.8; 91.3±7.8 mmHg) during water exercise compared to the land one. There were no significant differences in VO2 values between water and land exercises or between pregnant and non-pregnant women. After the first five-minute recovery period, both blood pressure and VO2 were similar to pre-exercise values. CONCLUSIONS: for pregnant women with 27 to 29 weeks of gestation, water exercise at the heart rate corresponding to VO2 is physiologically appropriate. These women also present a lower blood pressure response to exercise in water than on land.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(12):388-394
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001200003
PURPOSE: to compare the blood pressure and oxygen consumption (VO2) responses between pregnant and non-pregnant women, during cycle ergometer exercise on land and in water. METHODS: ten pregnant (27 to 29 weeks of gestation) and ten non-pregnant women were enrolled. Two cardiopulmonary tests were performed on a cycle ergometer (water and land) at the heart rate corresponding to VO2, over a period of 30 minutes each. Exercise measurements consisted of recording blood pressure every five minutes, and heart rate and VO2 every 20 seconds. Two-way ANOVA was used and α=0.05 (SPSS 17.0). RESULTS: there was no difference in cardiovascular responses between pregnant and non-pregnant women during the exercise. The Pregnant Group demonstrated significant differences in systolic (131.6±8.2; 142.6±11.3 mmHg), diastolic (64.8±5.9; 74.5±5.3 mmHg), and mean blood pressure (87.0±4.1; 97.2±5.7 mmHg), during water and land exercise, respectively. The Non-pregnant women Group also had a significantly lower systolic (130.5±8.4; 135.9±8.7 mmHg), diastolic (67.4±5.7; 69.0±10.1 mmHg), and mean blood pressure (88.4±4.8; 91.3±7.8 mmHg) during water exercise compared to the land one. There were no significant differences in VO2 values between water and land exercises or between pregnant and non-pregnant women. After the first five-minute recovery period, both blood pressure and VO2 were similar to pre-exercise values. CONCLUSIONS: for pregnant women with 27 to 29 weeks of gestation, water exercise at the heart rate corresponding to VO2 is physiologically appropriate. These women also present a lower blood pressure response to exercise in water than on land.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(12):408-413
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001200006
PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of physical activity on the quality of life of middle-aged women. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 370 women aged 40 to 65 years-old recruited from a population-based sample. Enrollment took place in Basic Health Units in each health district of the city (North, South, East, and West) from June to September 2011. According to the Municipal Health Department of the City, 20,801 women were assisted at the Basic Health Units during a one-year period. The sample size calculation was stratified by district and based on a 95% confidence level with a power of 80%, as well as an error estimate of 5% and it was considered proportional to the number of patients classified as having adequate quality of life (indicator >26) in the general population. Data were collected while women waited for their routine appointment at the Health Unit. WHOQOL-Bref was used to evaluate the quality of life, and menopause rating scale (MRS) was used to determine climacteric symptoms. The level of physical activity was assessed by means of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). To obtain the classification of PA levels, we used three categories: sedentary, moderately active, and very active. Statistical analysis was performed using the Minitab software, version 16. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 49.8 years-old (±8.1) and they were predominantly Caucasian (72.7%), married (61.6%), non-smokers (93.5%), and had High School education (47.8%). Using the WHOQOL, mean scores were found to be significantly different between the groups (low, moderate, and vigorous physical activity), classified according to the domains of quality of life (p<0.01). Concerning physical activity and climacteric symptoms, significant differences were found for all domains: psychological (p<0.01), vegetative-somatic (p<0.01), and urogenital (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity improves quality of life in middle-aged women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(12):408-413
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011001200006
PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of physical activity on the quality of life of middle-aged women. METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 370 women aged 40 to 65 years-old recruited from a population-based sample. Enrollment took place in Basic Health Units in each health district of the city (North, South, East, and West) from June to September 2011. According to the Municipal Health Department of the City, 20,801 women were assisted at the Basic Health Units during a one-year period. The sample size calculation was stratified by district and based on a 95% confidence level with a power of 80%, as well as an error estimate of 5% and it was considered proportional to the number of patients classified as having adequate quality of life (indicator >26) in the general population. Data were collected while women waited for their routine appointment at the Health Unit. WHOQOL-Bref was used to evaluate the quality of life, and menopause rating scale (MRS) was used to determine climacteric symptoms. The level of physical activity was assessed by means of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). To obtain the classification of PA levels, we used three categories: sedentary, moderately active, and very active. Statistical analysis was performed using the Minitab software, version 16. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 49.8 years-old (±8.1) and they were predominantly Caucasian (72.7%), married (61.6%), non-smokers (93.5%), and had High School education (47.8%). Using the WHOQOL, mean scores were found to be significantly different between the groups (low, moderate, and vigorous physical activity), classified according to the domains of quality of life (p<0.01). Concerning physical activity and climacteric symptoms, significant differences were found for all domains: psychological (p<0.01), vegetative-somatic (p<0.01), and urogenital (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity improves quality of life in middle-aged women.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(7):150-157
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000700006
PURPOSE: the purpose of this study was to evaluate mortality, weight and body length, and the gastrocnemius muscle of the offspring of pregnant rats submitted to a swimming program associated with second-hand smoke. METHODS: twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: GF (exposed to cigarette smoke), GC (control), GFN (submitted to the swimming program and exposed to cigarette smoke), and GN (submitted to the swimming program). The mortality, weight and length of the offspring were measured at four time points. The gastrocnemius muscle of the pups was obtained for evaluation of muscle development. RESULTS: the average number of offspring was lower for GF (10.2) and GFN (10.3) and higher for GN (12.8). At birth, only GFN showed significantly lower weight (p=0.016) and length (p=0.02), whereas during lactation the groups exposed to cigarette smoke showed significantly lower weight. GFN had delayed muscle development compared to GC (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Passive smoking during pregnancy and lactation negatively influenced number, weight and body length of offspring from birth to weaning and muscle development, and the swimming program positively influenced these variables at birth, although it did not provide the same benefits during lactation; and their association negatively affected these measures.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2011;33(7):150-157
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032011000700006
PURPOSE: the purpose of this study was to evaluate mortality, weight and body length, and the gastrocnemius muscle of the offspring of pregnant rats submitted to a swimming program associated with second-hand smoke. METHODS: twenty-four rats were divided into four groups: GF (exposed to cigarette smoke), GC (control), GFN (submitted to the swimming program and exposed to cigarette smoke), and GN (submitted to the swimming program). The mortality, weight and length of the offspring were measured at four time points. The gastrocnemius muscle of the pups was obtained for evaluation of muscle development. RESULTS: the average number of offspring was lower for GF (10.2) and GFN (10.3) and higher for GN (12.8). At birth, only GFN showed significantly lower weight (p=0.016) and length (p=0.02), whereas during lactation the groups exposed to cigarette smoke showed significantly lower weight. GFN had delayed muscle development compared to GC (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Passive smoking during pregnancy and lactation negatively influenced number, weight and body length of offspring from birth to weaning and muscle development, and the swimming program positively influenced these variables at birth, although it did not provide the same benefits during lactation; and their association negatively affected these measures.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(9):433-440
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000900004
PURPOSE: to evaluate the level of physical activity, quality of life and associated factors in women aged 60 or older. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted on 271 women who go to a Leisure Center and women attended at a menopause ambulatory in Campinas (SP). The women were invited to take part in the research, carried out through interviews. The instruments used were the version 8 of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) modified for the elderly population in order to evaluate their physical activity, and the World Health Organization Questionnaire of Quality of Life specific for this group (WHOQOL-OLD) to evaluate their quality of life. IPAQ results were assessed using tertiles. The association between the WHOQOL-OLD and the IPAQ results and subject characteristics was assessed by the Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple analyses. RESULTS: the average age of women was 67.4±5.3 years. Among these women, 33% were classified as being less active. Analysis of each physical activity domain showed that 60.8% of the time was spent in sitting activities (1,701.6±986.1 minutes/week). Multiple analyses indicated that attending a leisure center in Campinas (SP) and being 70 years old or older increased the chances of engaging in moderate-intensity or vigorous-intensity physical activity by 11.4 and 2.8 times, respectively. The average quality of life score was 66.9±11.7. The highest value was observed in the domain related to sensory abilities (72.0±18.8) and the lowest value was related to autonomy (60.3±16.2). Linear regression showed that a good self-perception of health increased the quality of life score by 7.3 points, the use of a bigger amount of medication decreased it by 4.4 points and the performance of moderate or vigorous physical exercise increased the score by 4.8 points. CONCLUSION: women spend prolonged periods of time in sitting activities. The importance of engaging in moderate/vigorous-intensity physical activity is evident for obtaining a good quality of life.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2010;32(9):433-440
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032010000900004
PURPOSE: to evaluate the level of physical activity, quality of life and associated factors in women aged 60 or older. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted on 271 women who go to a Leisure Center and women attended at a menopause ambulatory in Campinas (SP). The women were invited to take part in the research, carried out through interviews. The instruments used were the version 8 of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) modified for the elderly population in order to evaluate their physical activity, and the World Health Organization Questionnaire of Quality of Life specific for this group (WHOQOL-OLD) to evaluate their quality of life. IPAQ results were assessed using tertiles. The association between the WHOQOL-OLD and the IPAQ results and subject characteristics was assessed by the Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test and multiple analyses. RESULTS: the average age of women was 67.4±5.3 years. Among these women, 33% were classified as being less active. Analysis of each physical activity domain showed that 60.8% of the time was spent in sitting activities (1,701.6±986.1 minutes/week). Multiple analyses indicated that attending a leisure center in Campinas (SP) and being 70 years old or older increased the chances of engaging in moderate-intensity or vigorous-intensity physical activity by 11.4 and 2.8 times, respectively. The average quality of life score was 66.9±11.7. The highest value was observed in the domain related to sensory abilities (72.0±18.8) and the lowest value was related to autonomy (60.3±16.2). Linear regression showed that a good self-perception of health increased the quality of life score by 7.3 points, the use of a bigger amount of medication decreased it by 4.4 points and the performance of moderate or vigorous physical exercise increased the score by 4.8 points. CONCLUSION: women spend prolonged periods of time in sitting activities. The importance of engaging in moderate/vigorous-intensity physical activity is evident for obtaining a good quality of life.