Impact of Low-Volume High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Physical Performance and Quality of Life among Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: Menopause is one of the life stages for women that marks the end of reproductive years. Physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being can all be impacted by the hormonal changes brought on by menopause. Hence, the study aims to determine the effect of Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on cardiovascular parameters and quality of life in postmenopausal females. Methods: A two-arm, randomized controlled trial was conducted on 40 postmenopausal females, recruited via envelop method of simple random sampling technique into Group-A, who received HIIT and Group-B, who received MICT. Firstly, informed consent was taken from the participants by explaining all the protocols and procedures. Following the assessment, both groups received six weeks of exercise training thrice a week with 40 minutes of HIIT and 50 minutes of MICT, respectively. Results: Predicted VO2max increased statistically and practically significantly in response to the HIIT intervention (6.92 ml/kg/min; p=0.01), while it changed marginally and practically in the MICT group (2.8 ml/kg/min; p>0.05). Conclusion: The results indicate that the HIIT groupexperienced a statistically and clinically significant improvement in predicted VO2max compared to a slight significant change observed in the MICT group. Keywords: Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Exercise, Obesity, Quality of Life.