Changes in physical activity and health outcomes in a population-based cohort of mid-life Australian-born women

Abstract

Cross-sectional studies and intervention programs have suggested that physical activity is a potential contributor to the health and wellbeing of mid-life and older women. This prospective longitudinal study investigates whether natural changes in physical activity are associated with changes in health outcomes in a population-based cohort of Australian-born women aged 45-55 years living in Melbourne. Of the 352 women from the Melbourne Women's Midlife Health Project who filled in a base-line physical activity questionnaire, 292 (83 per cent) were evaluated around three years later with regard to physical activity psychological wellbeing, self-rated health, symptoms experienced, body mass in..