AFRJMS African Research Journal of Medical Sciences 3006-7421 Bioscience Press afrjms-1-2-004 10.62587/AFRJMS.1.2.2024.35-57 Research Paper Impact of a personalized wellness exercise program on physical and psychological health in middle-aged men: the empirical study RoyKavita 1 * SwargiaryKhritish 2 1Guest Faculty, Education Department, Bongaigaon College, Assam, India. E-mail: kavitaroy7777@gmail.com 2Research Assistant, EdTech Research Association, Arizona, USA. E-mail: khritish@teachers.org *Corresponding author: Kavita Roy, Guest Faculty, Education Department, Bongaigaon College, Assam, India. E-mail: kavitaroy7777@gmail.com 07 2024 1 2 35 57 Abstract

This study examined the effects of a personalized wellness exercise program on the physical and psychological health of middle-aged men (ages 45-60) over one year. The program, which included aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises, was designed to improve physical fitness, reduce chronic disease risk factors, and enhance psychological well-being. Baseline assessments revealed mean cardiovascular endurance (VO2 max) of 46.8 ml/ kg/ min, muscle strength (1RM) of 80.1 kg, flexibility (sit and reach) of 34.5 cm, balance (single-leg stance) of 40 seconds, and body fat percentage of 19.2%. Significant improvements were observed in the experimental group compared to controls: VO2 max increased to 56.2 ml/kg/ min (p < 0.001), 1RM to 93.7 kg (p < 0.001), flexibility to 41.2 cm (p < 0.001), and balance to 47.8 seconds (p < 0.001). Health risk factors, including BMI (reduced from 26.1 to 24.8 kg/m2), blood pressure (reduced from 130/85 to 120/78 mmHg), and cholesterol (reduced from 220 to 190 mg/ dL), also showed significant improvements (p < 0.001 for all). Psychological assessments showed reductions in depression (HADS scores decreased from 13.4 to 9.4) and anxiety (HADS scores decreased from 11.4 to 7.4), improved mood (POMS scores increased from 45.1 to 51.1), and enhanced cognitive function (MMSE scores increased from 29.0 to 31.0) (p < 0.001 for all). Adherence rates increased, with participants averaging 6.3 hours of exercise per week by the end of the study. These findings underscore the effectiveness of personalized exercise programs in improving physical and mental health outcomes in middle-aged men.

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