Balance confidence, quality of life, and exercise habits among healthy post-menopausal females

Abstract

Purpose:To examine baseline levels of balance confidence, quality of life (QOL), and physical activity among healthy post-menopausal women between 50 and 90 years of age. Method:Twenty-four participants (M_age = 58.8, SD =4.6) completed a questionnaire inventory consisting of the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, the Short-Form 36 Health Survey, the QOL Questionnaire of the European Foundation for Osteoporosis, and a questionnaire assessing activities performed in the previous 4 weeks. Results:Participants reported high levels of balance confidence (M = 95.48, SD = 5.69). Participants reported high energy levels, high general health perceptions, high mental functioning and emotional well-being, and high physical functioning in the areas of activities of daily living, jobs around the house, mobility, and leisure/social activities. Hours of physical activity were positively related to reported energy levels (r = 0.41, p< .05). Reported energy levels had a significant (p< .05), positive relationship with emotional well-being (r = .68), social functioning (r = .47), mobility (r = .52), perceptions of general health (r = .57), mental functioning (r = .44), and overall QOL (r = .44). Discussion:The women who participated in this study appear to have high levels of physical functioning and QOL. A strong link between physical activity and energy levels was observed. This may have important implications for the participant's QOL. The data presented here are part of a 10-year longitudinal study examining the relationship between exercise participation, dietary habits, bone mineral density, and QOL.