Journal of Physical Activity & Health · Mar 5, 2026
Effects of a Multidomain Exercise Program With Motivational Strategies on Anthropometric Variables, Physical Fitness, and Psychological Well-Being of Female Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
By Marcos-Pardo PJ, Mateo-Orcajada A, Fin G et al.
BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effects of a 12-month multidomain exercise program that included motivational strategies on anthropometric variables, physical fitness, and psychological well-being of older female adults. In addition, the differences in the benefits obtained according to the weight status were analyzed. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 108 older female adults (mean age: 68.9 ± 6.5 y), assigned to an experimental group (n = 72) or a control group (n = 36). Preintervention and postintervention assessments included waist girth, physical fitness tests, and psychological variables. RESULTS: The experimental group showed a significant decrease in waist girth (P = .013) and an increase in physical fitness performance (P < .001) and psychological variables (P < .001-.015). A decrease in controlled regulation (P = .003) and amotivation (P < .001) was also observed. By contrast, the control group exhibited an increase in waist girth (P < .001) and no significant changes in physical fitness or psychological variables (P > .05). Moreover, participants with overweight and with obesity experienced greater benefits in physical performance and psychological well-being (P < .05). CONCLUSION: A 12-month multidomain exercise program with motivational strategies significantly improves waist girth, physical fitness, and psychological well-being of older female adults, with notable benefits across all weight groups and enhanced effects in participants with overweight and with obesity.