The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of endurance training on lipid metabolism and sex hormones, and mental fitness in elderly women (n = 13) with sedentary life style. A training session was consisted of warming up for 5 minutes, cycle ergometer training for 15 minutes, and swimming training for 60 minutes. The physical training at 50% of maximal oxygen uptake (Vo₂max) was performed for 5 months at a frequency of 2 times per week. Although body weight and estimated Vo₂max did not change, significant reduction of estimated % of body fat and hip circumference were found after training (P<0.05). The lipid parameters such as total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein chiolesterol (HDL-C), HDL 2-C and HDL 3-C levels did not change. On the other hand, significant increase in apoprotein A 1 (Apo A1) and Apo B levels were observed after training (P<0.05). The levels of serum estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) did not change, but serum free testosterone level was decreased significantly after training (P<0.05). The mental fitness parameters such as type A score and Mental Health Pattern (MPH) did not change after training. From these results, we concluded that lipid metabolism and mental health in elderly women who participated in this study as volunteer had good condition, and that the effect of physical training on both metabolic and psychological fitness were not changed by this program.

DESCENTE SPORTS SCIENCE Vol.17/THE DESCENTE AND ISHIMOTO MEMORIAL FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION SPORTS SCIENCE