Abstract
Objective: To investigate (a) the acute effect of a bout of high intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on mood, cognitive function, and blood pressure in overweight perimenopausal women and (b) to compare the effects of high carbohydrate vs. high protein pre-HIIE feedings on exercise capacity, mood and cognitive function in this population.Methods: Twelve, overweight, perimenopausal women (age; 45.5 ± 2.3 years, body fat; 32.2 ± 2.1%) completed a bout of HIIE under 3 pre-exercise feedings (HCHO: high-carbohydrate-low-protein; LCHP: low-carbohydrate-high-protein; control: fasted) in a randomized crossover design. HIIE consisted of 4 intervals of 4 min walking at 85–90% of maximum heart rate and 3 min recovery. Before and after HIIE, the shortened version of the profile of mood state questionnaire, the exercise—induced feeling inventory questionnaire and three cognitive function tests (Stroop test, Shift Stroop test, n-back test) were administered. Blood pressure was measured pre- and post-exercise. Following HIIE a performance test to volitional fatigue was conducted.Results: A single bout of HIIE resulted in significant reductions in blood pressure and improvements in cognitive capacity (p < 0.05). Both the HCHO and LCHP feedings led to significantly longer exercise performance compared to CON (422 ± 71 s and 340 ± 46 vs. 240 ± 32 s, respectively, p < 0.01), with a 1.22-fold greater increase in performance time in HCHO compared to LCHP, although not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Only the HCHO trial improved total mood disturbance and positive engagement 1 h-post-exercise compared to CON (p < 0.05). HCHO and LCHP improved physical exhaustion and revitalization feelings post-exercise vs. CON (p < 0.01).Conclusions: A single HIIE session improves cognitive function and blood pressure in overweight perimenopausal women. High-carbohydrate pre-HIIE feedings can result in greater enhancements in mood and positive engagement to exercise and may improve exercise performance compared to a high-protein meal.
Highlights
Menopausal transition is a biological phenomenon that can change the endocrine stability and profile [1]
No significant differences were found in rating of perceived exertion (RPE) between the 3 conditions at the end of the high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) protocol (14 ± 2, 13 ± 2 and 14 ± 2 for CON, HCHO, and lowcarbohydrate-high-protein feeding (LCHP) condition, respectively, p > 0.05)
The findings of the present study demonstrate for the first time that a single bout of high intensity interval exercise is effective in inducing improvements in cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and cognitive function, but has no effect on the mood of overweight perimenopausal women
Summary
Menopausal transition is a biological phenomenon that can change the endocrine stability and profile [1]. During the periand postmenopausal years, the reduction of estrogen levels leads to sarcopenia, accumulation of body fat, and cardiometabolic disturbances such as hypertension and arteriosclerosis [2]. These conditions, in combination with the observed reduction in regular exercise participation, further increase the risk of obesity and related chronic diseases [2]. Regular physical activity is an effective treatment to drive cardiovascular and metabolic improvements and increase exercise capacity in older post-menopausal women [3]. There is a paucity of research on the effects of interval exercise on the mood state, cognition and cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure on peri- and postmenopausal women [5]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
