title: Improvements in health-related quality of life, cardio-metabolic health, and fitness in postmenopausal women after a supervised, multicomponent, adapted exercise program in a suited health promotion intervention: a multigroup study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explored the multidimensional outcomes that resulted from the adherence to regular exercise among previously sedentary postmenopausal women. The exercise was managed through a supervised, multicomponent, adapted approximately 20-week program in a suited health promotion intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multigroup, mixed-design study with between-group (intervention, sedentary, and active women) and within-subject measures (baseline, postintervention, and 3- and 12-month follow-ups) was conducted using intention-to-treat methodology. The Cervantes Scale assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and several indicators of cardio-metabolic status and fitness were also assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After the intervention, the participants experienced positive changes in short and long-term physical and mental health, with significant enhancements in several HRQoL dimensions, particularly mental well-being and menopause-related health and subdomains. Improvements were maintained or continued (eg, mental well-being) throughout the period, leading up to the 12-month follow-up. These outcomes were accompanied by significant improvements in cardio-metabolic status and fitness, including weight, body mass index, cardio-respiratory fitness, and flexibility.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings parallel previous empirical evidence showing the benefits associated with regular exercise, and add evidence to the association of positive outcomes in HRQoL with improvements in cardio-metabolic health and fitness status after the adoption of an active lifestyle.
authors.affiliation: 1Health Psychology & Behavioural Medicine Research Group (CTS-267), Facultad de Psicología, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, Granada, Spain 2Departamento de Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamiento Psicológico, Facultad de Psicología, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja, Granada, Spain 3Departamento de Ginecología y Obstetricia, Facultad de Medicina, University of Granada, Avd Madrid, Granada, Spain 4Centro Andaluz de Medicina del Deporte, Consejería de Cultura y Deporte, Hospital Universitario San Juan de Dios, Granada, Spain.
authors.forename: Débora
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Godoy-Izquierdo
authors.forename: Nicolás Mendoza Ladrón de
authors.initials: NML
authors.lastname: Guevara
authors.forename: Mercedes Vélez
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Toral
authors.forename: Carlos de Teresa
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Galván
authors.forename: Alberto Salamanca
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Ballesteros
authors.forename: Juan F Godoy
authors.initials: JFG
authors.lastname: García
mesh_terms: D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000523:psychology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D013030:Spain; D016896:Treatment Outcome