title: Group exercise mode and health-related quality of life among healthy adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper is a report of a study conducted to identify the difference between mode of group exercise and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), to determine the associations between mode of group exercise chosen by participants and their demographic characteristics, and to identify themes from narrative comments for each group exercise modality.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Regular exercise has been shown to improve HRQOL in the general population. However, few studies have compared mode of exercise--Pilates, step aerobics, and strength training--and their impact on HRQOL.
  
  
  METHODS
  A comparison was conducted in 2009 between three groups of participants who met regularly at a fitness facility. The English version of the RAND 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) was used to collect data. One open-ended question was analysed by content analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In total, 143 adults participated in the study. There was a statistically significant association between mode of exercise and length of time the participants had been exercising (χ(2)=33.42, d.f.=4, P<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in the Energy/Fatigue domain of the SF-36 between two modes of exercise: Strength Training and Pilates (z=-2.67, d.f.=2, P=0.008). Qualitative data revealed two themes that motivated healthy behaviours: personal, and interpersonal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Modes of group exercise influence HRQOL domains among adults. Healthcare providers need to understand what mode of exercise people are participating in order to educate them to achieve a better quality of life and to motivate those who are inactive.
authors.affiliation: College of Health and Social Welfare, School of Nursing, University of Alaska Anchorage, Anchorage, Alaska, USA. jmcgrath@gci.net
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: McGrath
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Malley
authors.forename: Thomas J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Hendrix
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D026241:Exercise Movement Techniques / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016294:Models, Nursing; D009042:Motivation; D011788:Quality of Life; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult