Effects of a Structured Motor Control–Based Exercise Program on Functional Mobility, Respiratory Measures, and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Older Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Aging in women is frequently accompanied by declines in respiratory performance, functional mobility, and psychosocial well-being. This study investigated the effects of a six-week structured motor control–based exercise program on respiratory measures, functional mobility, and quality of life in community-dwelling older women. Methods: Forty women (72.56 ± 5.54 years) were randomly assigned to an exercise group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). Respiratory rate, inspiratory and expiratory breath-hold times, functional mobility (Timed Up and Go test), and quality of life (LEIPAD questionnaire) were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The exercise group demonstrated significant changes in respiratory rate (ES = 2.99, p = 0.001), inspiratory breath-hold time (ES = 1.75, p = 0.001), expiratory breath-hold time (ES = 2.04, p = 0.001), and functional mobility (ES = 2.05, p = 0.001). The total LEIPAD score increased from 45.05 ± 6.96 to 55.28 ± 4.64 (ES = 1.73, p < 0.001), indicating improved quality of life. Significant improvements were also observed in physical function, self-care, depression and anxiety, cognitive functioning, social functioning, and life satisfaction. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: A six-week structured motor control–based exercise program was associated with improvements in functional respiratory measures, functional mobility, and quality of life in community-dwelling older women. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.