Use of indices to assess women’s health in wellness fitness

Abstract

Background and Study Aim. With increasing focus on women's health and well-being, there's a pressing need for efficient tools to accurately reflect their physical condition and health status. This study aims to substantiate the use of indices as effective instruments for assessing women's health and wellness fitness. Material and Methods. This study involved 40 women, aged 43.33 ± 0.93 years, who participated in a wellness fitness program for 8 months. Sessions were held three times a week, each lasting 1 hour. A comprehensive health improvement program was utilized, incorporating dance aerobics, strength fitness, and stretching exercises. Anthropometric measurements were taken, and the Stange test was administered to calculate 12 health-related indices. The significance of differences was evaluated using the sign criterion (z) and Rosenbaum's Q index. Assessments were conducted both before the initiation and upon completion of the wellness program. Results. Significant changes were observed in several indices, including the Body Mass Index (z=2), Erisman Index (z=0), Vital Index (z=0), Skibinsky Index (z=1), Kerdo Autonomic Index (z=2), Robinson Index (z=3), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (z=11), Systolic Blood Pressure Index (z=5), Diastolic Blood Pressure Index (z=4), and Livy Index (z=0). Additionally, a reliable improvement in the left arm strength index was confirmed using Rosenbaum's Index (Q=7). Conclusions. The results validate the use of specific indices to evaluate the efficacy of wellness fitness programs. Notable improvements were observed in the Body Mass Index, Erisman Index, and Livy Index, indicative of enhanced physical condition and normalization of body mass, particularly significant among overweight and obese participants. An increase in the strength index reflects augmented hand muscle strength, while enhancements in the vital index signal boosted respiratory system functionality. Furthermore, changes in the Skibinsky Index, Robinson Index, and Kerdo Autonomic Index highlight an elevated adaptation capacity of the cardiorespiratory system. The comprehensive set of indices employed offers insights into the cardiovascular, respiratory, and musculoskeletal systems' state. Their applicability at both individual and group levels, combined with the simplicity of calculations, clarity, and informativeness, markedly improves the monitoring effectiveness of health and fitness status.