Effect of sports activities on some physiological parameters and mental quality of sleep in the elderly

Aging is a sensitive and harmful period due to the physiological and psychological changes, and the sensitivity of this period increases through entering the aging period owing to emotional and role deprivation in life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on some physiological parameters and mental quality of sleep in the elderly.

This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a control group using a pre- and post-tests. Participants of the current study were 30 inactive elderly. The standard exercise protocol and Pittsburg sleep quality questionnaire were used to conduct the study. Data were analyzed through Kolmogorov-Smirnov, t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient using SPSS23.

The statistical tests showed that the sleep quality scores were not significantly different in the experimental and control groups before exercise intervention and two groups were homogeneous. After exercise intervention, the sleep quality was improved in the experimental group than control group (P=0.05).

An exercise protocol can be effective in improving the mental quality of sleep and some physiological factors of the elderly, and the use of exercise protocol and its implementation can prevent many sleep disorders in the elderly and increase its quality.