The effect of an 8-week Period of Endurance Exercise on the Quality of Life and Body mass index in Male Smokers

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to measure the effect of an 8-week period of endurance exercise on the quality of life and BMI of male smokers. Materials and Methods: Among the cigarette addicted men referred to the center to quit smoking, 20 subjects were selected through convenience sampling and were randomly divided into two groups of experimental (n = 10) (mean age: 34.33 +/- 5.07 years and BMI: 25.41 +/- 3.55 kg/m(2)) and the control group (n = 10) (mean age: 32.10 +/- 4.81 years and BMI: 27.26 +/- 66 kg/m(2)). Weight, height and the BMI were measured before and after the 8-week exercise program by using WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. The endurance exercise included an 8-week training program (3 sessions each week, and 60 minutes each session) which included running with the intensity of 75 MHR. Intensity of exercise was controlled through maximum heart rate and the formula (220 age). The intensity and duration of exercise increased in each session. The data analysis was done using the variance analysis method for repetitive data and the independent T-test. Findings: The results showed that after the completion of the Endurance exercise program, the quality of life of the smoking men improved and increased significantly (P < 0.001). Their BMI significantly decreased (P < 0.01) while changes in these indices were not significant for the control group. Conclusion: The results showed that 8 weeks of Endurance exercise resulted in significant changes in the quality of life and BMI of male smokers.