The assessment of the wellness program’s efficiency on the psychological well-being in a group of men and women aged between 50 and 65 years

Abstract

This article is focused on the effect of the physical activity program on the psychological well-being in a group of men and women aged between 50-65 years. We used these methods for diagnostic: a bespoke questionnaire focused on motivation, the standardized POMS questionnaire (Profile of Mood States) to measure actual psychical state items and three exercises of the standardized test battery UNIFITTEST (6-60) to test motor efficiency.

The first questionnaire analyzed the motives of respondent for entering the program. The results showed that the most frequent motives are the pleasure of movement, the improvement of physical fitness, the need of active relaxation and the relief of stress. The results of the second questionnaire ascertained statistically significant effects in two items of the actual mood state – tension and fatigue. The physical activity program reduced anxiety and at the same time it caused a drop in feelings of fatigue. The test of motor efficiency was conducted in three selected exercises – long jump from a spot, sit-up repeatedly and deep bending forward a sitting position. It showed that the program has a statistically significant effect on the efficiency in all three selected motor exercises that were undertaken by respondents.

There were 16 people involved in the research, 3 men and 13 women. The average age was 57,8 years. The physical activity program was given two times a week, each lesson lasting 60 minutes. It consisted of two types of exercises. The first type of exercise was focused on developing balance abilities and engendering muscle balance. The second type of exercise – health physical education – was focused on the maintenance and improvement of flexibility and the development of muscle power and stamina. Respondents could participate in one or both of the exercises every week.