Different exercise modalities may have distinct effects on active aging. This study aimed to compare the effects of a mind-body exercise program and a multicomponent exercise program on active aging among middle-aged and older adults. Method: A total of 48 participants aged 50–75 years were voluntarily assigned to three groups: a mind-body exercise group (MEG), a multicomponent exercise group (MAEG), and a control group (CG). The intervention lasted 16 weeks, with both exercise groups engaging in bi-weekly 120-minute supervised sessions, while the control group received no exercise intervention. All participants attended weekly online health education sessions. Subjective measures comprised self-reported changes in active aging across four dimensions: health, participation, security, and lifelong learning, measured via a validated active aging questionnaire. Objective measures evaluated physical parameters, including BMI, lung capacity, grip strength, flexibility, balance, and reaction time. Assessments were conducted at baseline(T0), 8 weeks(T8), and 16 weeks(T16). Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA for baseline comparisons and two-factor repeated measures ANOVA for intervention. Both the MAG and MAEG showed greater improvements in both subjective and objective measures of active aging compared to the CG. Significant time × group interactions were observed in subjective health, participation, and lifelong learning (all p < 0.001), with the MAEG demonstrating greater improvements than the MEG over time. In objective measures, significant interactions were found for BMI, lung capacity, flexibility, and balance (all p < 0.001). The MAEG showed superior BMI reduction and lung capacity improvement compared to the MEG. Both the MAG and MAEG enhanced flexibility and balance, while only the MAEG improved reaction time. No significant changes were observed in grip strength. Conclusions/Discussion: Both single-modality mind-body exercise and multicomponent intervention integrating mind-body practices with aerobic training effectively enhanced active aging outcomes in middle-aged and older adults. However, the multicomponent approach demonstrated superior efficacy, suggesting its heightened potential for promoting comprehensive active aging.
Xinwen Xu (Thu,) studied this question.