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Volume 18, Issue 3 (2026)
Iran J War Public Health 2026, 18(3): 337-343 |
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Ethics code: IR.SBU.REC.1405.070
History
Received: 2026/08/1 | Accepted: 2026/10/3 | Published: 2026/10/6
Received: 2026/08/1 | Accepted: 2026/10/3 | Published: 2026/10/6
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Shahsavari M, Zarei M, Nezhad Mohammadi M. Effects of Square Stepping Versus Rhythmic Aerobic Exercise on Older Women’s Mobility and Quality of Life. , Iran J War Public Health. 2026; 18 (3) :337-343
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1- Department of Sports Rehabilitation and Health, Faculty of Sports Sciences and Health, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
Abstract (635 Views)
Aims: This study aimed to compare the effects of eight weeks of stepping square exercises and rhythmic aerobic exercise on functional mobility and quality of life in older women.
Materials & Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 45 older women aged 60 to 70 years were randomly assigned into three groups of 15: stepping square exercise, rhythmic aerobic exercise, and control. The experimental groups exercised for 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week (stepping square exercise: 60 minutes per session; rhythmic aerobic exercise: 50 minutes per session). Functional mobility was assessed using the timed up and go test, and quality of life was evaluated using the 36-Item Short Form Survey at pre-test and post-test stages.
Findings: Both exercise groups showed significant improvements in functional mobility and quality of life compared to the pre-test (p<0.001). After controlling for pre-test scores, a significant difference was observed among the three groups in both parameters (p<0.001). The stepping square exercise group was significantly better than the rhythmic aerobic exercise group in functional mobility (adjusted mean difference=-2.740; p<0.001). Regarding quality of life, the difference between the two exercise groups was not significant (adjusted mean difference=1.699; p=0.563), although both groups showed significant improvements compared to the control group (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Both exercises improve mobility and quality of life, but stepping square exercise leads to greater mobility gains.
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