Effect of Aerobic Training on Quality of Life in the Elderly with Idiopathic Chronic Fatigue

Abstract

Objective: Idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF) is described as clinically diagnosed physical and/or psychological chronic fatigue of more than 6 months, with no known/detected underlying pathologies/disorders. As no study has discussed the effect of scheduled, regular, and supervised aerobic exercise on fatigue severity, physical performance, and quality of life (QoL) in ICF elderly, this study was applied to achieve this aim. Material and Methods: Forty ICF elderly (from both genders) were divided evenly into the study group that received 8-week aerobic exercises plus traditional physical therapy balance and stretching exercises (n=20) and the control group (n=20) who received traditional physical therapy balance and stretching exercises only. The fatigue severity assessment scale (FSAS), The elderly’s Brief-Version Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (EBVQOLQ), six-minute walking distance (6MWD), and serum glutathione (as an anti-oxidative substance) were assessed. Results: Only the study group’s outcomes (EBVQOLQ, six minute walk distance (SMWD), serum glutathione, and FSAS) showed significant improvements. Conclusion: Eight-week aerobic exercises in ICF elderly can improve fatigue perception, physical performance/capacity, QoL, and anti-oxidative defense.