Abstract
ObjectiveTo assess the association of different components of physical fitness with HRQoL in early postmenopause and to test which physical fitness components are independently associated with the physical and mental components of HRQoL.MethodsThe final sample comprised 67 early postmenopausal women. Physical fitness was assessed with the Senior Fitness Test battery (additionally including handgrip strength test), and HRQoL was evaluated with the Short-Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36). We also analyzed plasma gonadotropic hormones and estradiol.ResultsOverall, most of the fitness components were positively associated with HRQoL. Lower-body flexibility, upper-body muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness were the fitness components more strongly associated with HRQoL (r range from 0.28 to 0.56). Static balance was especially associated with mental health (r = −0.46, P < 0.001). Lower-body flexibility (assessed with the chair sit-and-reach test) and upper-body muscle strength (assessed with handgrip dynamometry) were independently associated with the SF-36 Physical Component Summary (both, P < 0.001). Upper-body muscle strength (P < 0.01) and cardiorespiratory fitness (assessed with the 6-min walk test, P < 0.05) were independently associated with the SF-36 Mental Component Summary.ConclusionsHigher physical fitness is associated with better HRQoL in early postmenopause. Lower-body flexibility and upper-body muscle strength were the most important independent fitness indicators, explaining ~30 % of HRQoL.
Highlights
The physiological impact of menopause on women’s health has been deeply explored
Lower-body flexibility, upper-body muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness were the fitness components more strongly associated with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) (r range from 0.28 to 0.56)
Lower-body flexibility and upperbody muscle strength were independently associated with the SF-36 physical component summary and both explained 35 % of the variability in physical HRQoL
Summary
The physiological impact of menopause on women’s health has been deeply explored. Menopause increases cardiometabolic risk factors due to the significant decline in the estrogen levels and the testosterone predominance [1]. Postmenopause appears to be associated with higher incidence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases [2,3,4]. These hormonal changes occurring in women during and after menopause transition may have a relevant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) [5, 6], especially at the psychological, physical and sexual spheres [7, 8]. Early postmenopause is a relevant period in women’s life that is characterized by even a greater prevalence of vasomotor menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, which negatively impact their HRQoL in comparison with pre-menopausal women [6]
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