Effect of central stability and central-mindfulness exercises on the quality of life of older women

Document Type : Original Research

Authors

1 PhD student of motor behavior, University of Tehran

2 Associate of Motor Behavior

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effects of core stability and core stability-mindfulness exercises on the quality of life in elderly women. A total of 30 inactive elderly women with a mean age of 60.61 ± 3.61 years were randomly selected from volunteers at a senior care center in Kermanshah and divided into three equal groups: Experimental Group 1 (core stability-mindfulness), Experimental Group 2 (core stability), and a control group. In the pre-test, the SF-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. Experimental groups 1 and 2 underwent their respective training programs for eight weeks, three 45-minute sessions per week. Core stability exercises were based on Jeffrey’s training protocol, while mindfulness exercises included mindfulness-based techniques. The control group continued their daily activities without intervention. Eight weeks after completing the training interventions, a post-test was conducted following the same pre-test procedure. The results showed a significant improvement in the overall quality of life score from pre-test to post-test in the core stability-mindfulness group, whereas no significant changes were observed in the core stability and control groups. This pattern of results suggests that combining physical exercises such as core stability training with mindfulness practices has a greater impact on improving the quality of life in elderly women compared to core stability exercises alone. This effect is likely due to reducing both the physical and psychological strain of purely physical training. Therefore, mental exercises, such as mindfulness techniques, should be considered when designing programs for the elderly.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Sociology of Lifestyle (SLS)
Volume 9, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 17-29

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History

  • Receive Date: 21 April 2021
  • Revise Date: 12 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 23 February 2025
  • Publish Date: 22 September 2024

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