Cardiorespiratory Fitness In Women Research Articles

Effect of Short Bouts of Vigorous Stair Climbing on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Women with Overweight and Obesity: A Pilot Feasibility Study.

We examined the effect of 4 weeks of a brief vigorous stair climbing exercise on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and body composition in women with overweight or obesity. Twenty-six participants (age, 25.4±4.9 years; body mass index [BMI], 25.3±1.8 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to either a stair climbing exercise group (n=13) or a non-exercising control group (n=13). The stair climbing exercise group performed 20 sessions (supervised, five sessions/week over 4 weeks) of brief intermittent stair climbing exercise consisting of a 3-minute warm-up followed by three bouts of 20 seconds of stair climbing (≥80% of age-predicted maximum heart rate) interspersed with 2-minute recovery periods (total exercise duration=10 minutes/session). Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) was measured using a graded maximal treadmill test with the use of a standard open-circuit spirometry technique. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis. All participants, except one who dropped out due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, completed the study with 100% attendance rates. There were significant interaction effects (group×time) on body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and CRF such that the stair climbing exercise group had significant (P≤0.01) reductions in body weight (66.5±4.6 to 65.2±4.6 kg), BMI (24.8±1.2 to 24.4±1.1 kg/m2), and waist circumference (78.0±3.7 to 76.5±4.1 cm) and improvements in VO2peak (31.6±2.5 to 34.9±2.6 mL/kg/min) compared with controls. Short bouts of vigorous stair climbing is a feasible and time-efficient exercise strategy for improving CRF in previously sedentary, young women with overweight and obesity.

Cardiorespiratory fitness in women after severe pre-eclampsia

ABSTRACT Aims To objectively study cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and physical activity (PA) and to evaluate limiting factors of exercise intolerance associated with poor CRF after severe pre-eclampsia. Methods In this single-centre, cross-sectional study, CRF was measured as peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) on a treadmill in women 7 years after severe pre-eclampsia. Ninety-six patients and 65 controls were eligible to participate. Cardiac output (CO) was measured by impedance cardiography. PA was measured using accelerometers. Results In 62 patients and 35 controls (mean age 40 ± 3 years), the VO2peak (in mL·kg–1·min–1) values were 31.4 ± 7.2 and 39.1 ± 5.4, respectively (p<0.01). In the patients, the COpeak was (9.6 L·min-1), 16% lower compared to controls (p<0.01). Twelve patients (19%) had a cardiac limitation to CPET. Twenty-three (37%) patients and one (3%) control were classed as unfit, with no cardiopulmonary limitations. The patients demonstrated 25% lower PA level (in counts per minute; p<0.01) and 14% more time being sedentary (p<0.01), compared with the controls. Twenty-one patients (34%) compared with four (17%) controls did not meet the World Health Organization’s recommendations for PA (p=0.02). Body mass index and PA level accounted for 65% of the variability in VO2peak. Conclusion Significantly lower CRF and PA levels were found in patients on long-term follow-up after severe pre-eclampsia. CPET identified cardiovascular limitations in one third of patients. One third appeared unfit, with adiposity and lower PA levels. These findings highlight the need for clinical follow-up and exercise interventions after severe pre-eclampsia.

The relationship between interhemispheric transfer time and physical activity as well as cardiorespiratory fitness in healthy older adults

The structural and functional degradation of the corpus callosum (CC) has been shown to play an important role in the context of cognitive aging (Reuter-Lorenz and Stanczak, 2000). This is also reflected by findings of elongated interhemispheric transfer time (IHTT) in older adults (Riedel et al., 2022). At the same time, a protective effect of physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on brain health including the CC is widely accepted (Hillman et al., 2008; Loprinzi et al., 2020). Based on this idea, the present study investigated the relationship between IHTT and PA/CRF in 107 healthy older adults (m: 64, f: 43) aged 67.69 ± 5.18. IHTT was calculated detecting event-related potentials (ERPs) using an established Dimond-Task. PA was evaluated using accelerometry resulting in estimates of overall bodily motion and time spent at higher intensity PA. CRF was estimated using graded exercise testing, approximating running speed at 4 mmol/l blood lactate concentration. The results showed a negative correlation between IHTTright→left and PA overall as well as in the male subgroup and between IHTTleft→right and CRF in women. This indicates a potential relationship between IHTT and PA/CRF. While the present investigation is only the first to hint at such a relationship taking into account the differential effects with regards to sex, mode of PA/CRF and IHTT direction, it is in line with previous findings and theoretical suggestions linking brain health to PA/CRF in the context of aging. Further research is needed in order to increase our understanding of the underlying mechanisms and of the influence of sex, PA intensity, degree of CRF and significance of IHTT direction.

Effects of High and Low-To-Moderate Intensity Exercise During (Neo-) Adjuvant Chemotherapy on Muscle Cells, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, and Muscle Function in Women With Breast Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

(Neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer is effective but has deleterious side effects on muscle tissue, resulting in reduced skeletal muscle mass, muscle function, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Various exercise regimens during cancer treatment have been shown to counteract some of these side effects. However, no study has compared the effect of high-intensity training versus low-to-moderate intensity training on muscle tissue cellular outcomes and physical function in patients with breast cancer during chemotherapy. The aim of this substudy within the Physical Training in Cancer (Phys-Can) consortium is to evaluate and compare the effects of high and low-to-moderate intensity exercise on muscle cellular outcomes, muscle function, and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with breast cancer undergoing (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy. We further aim to investigate if the effects of chemotherapy including taxanes on muscles will be different from those of taxane-free chemotherapy. Eighty women recently diagnosed with breast cancer scheduled to start (neo-)adjuvant chemotherapy will be randomized to a combination of strength and endurance training, either at high intensity or at low-to-moderate intensity. Testing of muscle function and cardiorespiratory fitness and collection of muscle biopsies from the vastus lateralis muscle will be performed before the first cycle of chemotherapy (or after 1 week, when not possible) (T0), halfway through chemotherapy (T1), and after completion of chemotherapy (T2). It is estimated that approximately 50% of the participants will be willing to undergo muscle biopsies. To separate the effect of the treatment itself, a usual care group with no supervised training will also be included, and in this group, testing and collection of muscle biopsies will be performed at T0 and T2 only. This study is funded by Active Against Cancer (Aktiv mot kreft) (May 2013) and the Norwegian Cancer Society (December 2018). Inclusion started in December 2016 and the last participant is expected to be recruited in December 2022. As of June 2022, we enrolled 38 (19 with biopsies) participants to the high-intensity training group, 36 (19 with biopsies) participants to the low-to-moderate intensity training group, and 17 (16 with biopsies) participants to the usual care group. Data analyses will start in fall 2022. The first results are expected to be published in spring 2024. This study will generate new knowledge about the effects of different training intensities for women with breast cancer during chemotherapy treatment. It will give further insight into how chemotherapy affects the muscle tissue and how physical training at different intensities may counteract the treatment side effects in muscles. The results of this study will inform the development and refinement of exercise programs that are effective and compatible with the multidisciplinary management of breast cancer. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05218876; https://tinyurl.com/ysaj9dhm. DERR1-10.2196/40811.

Self-Reported Physical Activity, QoL, Cardiac Function, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Women With HER2+ Breast Cancer

BackgroundWomen treated for breast cancer are at risk for worsening health-related quality of life (QoL), cardiac function, and cardiorespiratory fitness. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the associations of self-reported moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) during cancer treatment with concurrent measures of QoL and cardiac function and with post-treatment cardiorespiratory fitness in women with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer receiving sequential anthracyclines and trastuzumab. MethodsEMBRACE-MRI 1 (Evaluation of Myocardial Changes During Breast Adenocarcinoma Therapy to Detect Cardiotoxicity Earlier With MRI) study participants who completed questionnaires for MVPA (modified Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire) and QoL (EQ-5D-3L, Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire) and cardiac imaging every 3 months during treatment and post-treatment cardiopulmonary exercise testing were included. Participants engaging in ≥90 minutes of MVPA each week were labeled “active.” Generalized estimation equations and linear regression analyses were used to assess concurrent and post-treatment associations with MVPA and activity status, respectively. ResultsEighty-eight participants were included (mean age 51.4 ± 8.9 years). Mean MVPA minutes, QoL, and cardiac function (left ventricular ejection fraction, global longitudinal strain, E/A ratio, and E/e′ ratio) worsened by 6 months into trastuzumab therapy. Higher MVPA (per 30 minutes) during treatment was associated with better concurrent overall (β = −0.42) and physical (β = −0.24) Minnesota Living With Heart Failure Questionnaire scores, EQ-5D-3L index (β = 0.003), visual analogue scale score (β = 0.43), diastolic function (E/A ratio; β = 0.01), and global longitudinal strain (β = 0.04) at each time point (P ≤ 0.01 for all). Greater cumulative MVPA over the treatment period was associated with higher post-treatment cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption; β = 0.06 per 30 minutes; P < 0.001). ConclusionsHigher self-reported MVPA during treatment for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–positive breast cancer was associated with better QoL and diastolic and systolic left ventricular function measures during treatment and better post-treatment cardiorespiratory fitness.

The Relationship Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Middle Cerebral Artery Velocity in Women

Age-related declines in cerebral blood flow have been linked to greater risk for cognitive decline. Habitual exercise is recommended to prevent or delay cognitive impairment. Previous studies have found a positive correlation between cardiorespiratory fitness and middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) in men; however, there is limited data on this relationship in women. This study aimed to examine the relationships between cardiorespiratory fitness, age and MCAv in women. We hypothesized that MCAv would decline with advancing age and there would be a positive association between MCAv and cardiorespiratory fitness in women. Data from 74 women (age = 46 ± 21 y, range = 18 – 83 yrs.) were collected at 4 institutions (University of Kansas Medical Center; University of Wisconsin-Madison; Université Laval; Mayo Clinic) as part of previously conducted studies. All participants were determined to be of low risk for cardiovascular disease according to the American College of Sports Medicine criteria. MCAv, mean arterial pressure, end tidal carbon dioxide and cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen consumption: VO2max) were retrieved from study records. MCAv was collected unilaterally at rest using a transcranial Doppler ultrasound. VO2max was collected during either cycling ergometry (n = 61) or treadmill ergometry (n = 13) tests. Associations were assessed using a Pearson product-moment correlation. In the 74 women, the absolute VO2max was 2089 ± 622 ml·min-1 and average relative VO2max was 34 ± 10 ml·kg-1·min-1. The average MCAv for the entire group was 64 ± 16 cm·s-1. As expected, there was an inverse association between age and MCAv (r = -0.310; p = 0.007) such that women who were older demonstrated lower MCAv. There was a positive association between absolute VO2max and MCAv (r = 0.310; p = 0.007). Likewise, there was a positive association between relative VO2max and MCAv (r = 0.309; p = 0.007) such that women with higher cardiorespiratory fitness demonstrated higher MCAv. However, the relationship between VO2max and MCAv was no longer significant when adjusted for age (absolute VO2max; r = -0.105, p = 0.375; relative VO2 max; r = -0.089, p = 0.452). Cardiorespiratory fitness is positively associated with MCAv in women. This suggests that habitual exercise may be protective against age-related declines in cerebral blood flow. However, because the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and MCAv is attenuated when it is adjusted for age, future studies could utilize non-linear modeling to understand how age, MCAv and cardiorespiratory fitness are related in women.

162 Association between cardiorespiratory fitness and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To review and summarize the literature to date on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) before, during and after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), compared with women with no HDP. We included observational and intervention studies with a clearly defined diagnosis of HDP (gestational hypertension and/or preeclampsia) and a control group of women with no HDP. Eligible studies measured CRF including maximal or peak oxygen consumption (VO2), VO2 at anaerobic threshold or work rate at peak VO2. MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched from July 2018 to July 2019. References of included studies were hand searched to identify additional records. Risk of bias assessments used the Joanna-Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools. Abstracts of 1949 records identified by the literature search were screened. Of 194 full-text articles assessed, 15 studies were included (n=2581 women). CRF was examined before, during and after pregnancy in 2, 9 and 4 studies, respectively. Although the risk of information bias was low, potential confounding variables between HDP and CRF were not examined. Nine references with HDP-specific data were included in the meta-analysis, reported as mean differences with 95% CI. Women with HDP had lower postpartum VO2max [2 studies, n=129 women; -0.39 mL/kg/min (-0.76, -0.02)] and lower antepartum VO2peak [1 study, n=140 women; -0.78 L/min (-0.99, -0.57)], compared to controls. Women with HDP did not attain a significantly lower mean work rate [2 studies, n=88 women; -0.08 watts (-1.01, 0.85)] or earlier lactate threshold [1 study, n=47 women; -0.32 mL/kg/min (-1.25, 0.61)]. Using VO2 showed significantly (p<0.05) lower CRF in women both after (Fig. 1) and during (Fig. 2) HDP. Few studies examined VO2 in relation to HDP, while the remaining studies analyzed used other CRF indices or did not directly look at CRF with respect to HDP. Additional studies using VO2 are needed to shed light on its utility as a measure of CRF and to quantify its association with HDP.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)

Women’s Improvements In Cardiorespiratory Fitness Following Cardiac Rehabilitation Differs By Body Mass Index Category

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is now considered a vital sign and, as such, optimally improving this measure is a primary goal with cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This study aimed to assess the potential influence of body habitus, assessed by body mass index (BMI), on improvements in CRF in women with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Estimation of Cardiorespiratory Fitness Without Exercise Testing: Cross-Validation in Midlife and Older Women.

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is associated with important health risk outcomes, including the development of Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Measures of maximal or peak oxygen consumption (VO2) are the typical criterion methods for determining CRF; however, in clinical settings, these measures are impractical. We validated a clinically derived estimate of CRF against predicted maximal VO2 in a sample of healthy, midlife and older adult women (n = 188). Women completed a clinic evaluation (including treadmill testing), daily diaries about their physical activity, and additional clinical scales. Two models were tested. The first model calculated estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (eCRF) using assigned weights and regressed eCRF on predicted cardiorespiratory fitness (pCRF). The second model used sample-specific, empirical weights. Both models were tested twice, once with retrospective and once with daily diary physical activity reports. The model accounted for 34% of the variance in pCRF when using assigned weights and 41% of the variance in pCRF when using empirical weights. For age, body mass index, and resting heart rate, assigned and estimated weights were similar, but estimates for physical activity differed. There was little improvement in model fit between retrospective and daily diary measurements of physical activity when either assigned (R 2 = 0.32) or fitted weights (R 2 = 0.40) were used. Midlife and older women's CRF can be estimated from routinely collected clinical measures, demonstrating their utility.

Aerobic Exercise-Induced Changes in Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

While performing aerobic exercise during chemotherapy has been proven feasible and safe, the efficacy of aerobic training on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy has not yet been systematically assessed. Therefore, the objective of this work was to determine (a) the efficacy of aerobic training to improve CRF; (b) the role of aerobic training intensity (moderate or vigorous) on CRF response; (c) the effect of the aerobic training mode (continuous or interval) on changes in CRF in women with breast cancer (BC) receiving chemotherapy. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted as per PRISMA guidelines, and randomized controlled trials comparing usual care (UC) and aerobic training in women with BC undergoing chemotherapy were eligible. The results suggest that increases in CRF are favored by (a) aerobic training when compared to usual care; (b) vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise (64–90% of maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max) when compared to moderate-intensity aerobic exercise (46–63% of VO2max); and (c) both continuous and interval aerobic training are effective at increasing the VO2max. Aerobic training improves CRF in women with BC undergoing chemotherapy. Notably, training intensity significantly impacts the VO2max response. Where appropriate, vigorous intensity aerobic training should be considered for women with BC receiving chemotherapy.

Effect of Exergame Training and Detraining on Lower-Body Strength, Agility, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Women with Fibromyalgia: Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a 24 week exergame intervention and 24 weeks of detraining on lower-limb strength, agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with fibromyalgia (FM). It was performed as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial of 55 women with FM. University facilities were used. The 24 week exergame intervention was focused on mobility, postural control, upper- and lower-limb coordination, aerobic fitness, and strength. Participants performed 120 min of exergaming per week, which was divided into two sessions. Twenty-four weeks after the end of the intervention, participants were re-evaluated. A chair–stand test, 10 step stair test, and six-minute walk test were conducted to assess lower-body strength, agility, and cardiorespiratory fitness, respectively. The exergame intervention significantly improved lower-limb strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. However, no significant effects on agility were observed. After the detraining period, lower-limb strength and agility returned to their baseline level, but improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness were sustained over time. Exergaming was therefore shown to be beneficial for physical fitness in people with FM. However, exergames had to be played regularly to maintain the benefits. This long-term intervention (24 weeks) may have changed the lifestyle of women with FM, which could explain why cardiorespiratory fitness improvements remained after the detraining period. Future research should focus on lifestyle changes after long-term interventions.

The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Throughout the Life Span.

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in PLHIV are poorly understood. The aims of this study were to describe physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness by sex and age and to examine the association between physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in PLHIV, controlling for covariates. Seven hundred two PLHIV participated in a cross-sectional study and completed validated measures of self-reported physical activity (7-day Physical Activity Recall) and cardiorespiratory fitness (6-minute walk test). Participants were recruited from 7 diverse sites in the United States and Thailand, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression to examine the relationship between physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness. On average, participants self-reported engaging in 115 minutes of, mostly light (75%), physical activity. Men reported twice the amount of physical activity as women (155 vs 73 minutes, P = .01). Participants' ability to achieve their predicted 6-minute walk test distances was similar between men (68%) and women (69%) (P > .01). For women, vigorous physical activity was associated with a 6.6% increase in cardiorespiratory fitness and being temporarily unemployed was associated with an 18% decline in cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness increased with age (P < .01). Weekly physical activity of people living with human immunodeficiency virus averaged 85 minutes of mostly light activity, well below the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity. Vigorous physical activity was associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness in women, but not men. Although PLHIV would benefit from interventions to increase physical activity, our data suggest a need to develop sex-specific physical activity strategies.

Effects of combined supervised intermittent aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs on cardiorespiratory responses in women with breast cancer

The aim of this investigation was to study the effects of supervised combined intermittent aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs on cardiorespiratory fitness in women with breast cancer during adjuvant chemotherapy treatment. Thirty-two women with breast cancer undertaking adjuvant chemotherapy participated in the study (trained group n=20 and control group n=12). The trained group carried out 6weeks of supervised intermittent cycling aerobic, muscle strength and home-based walking training programs. The self-selected walking speed (WS), walking distance covered (WD), heart rate (rHR), blood lactate ([La]b) concentration and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed in the two groups during the 6-min walking test before and after the training period. Compared to controls, a significant increase in the WS (P<0.01) and the WD (P<0.01) accompanied by a significant decrease in resting rHR (P<0.01), exercising HR6' (P<0.01), [La]b (P<0.05), HR6'/WS (P<0.01) and [La]b/WS ratios (P<0.01) was reported in the trained group. However, a significant decrease both in WD (P<0.01) and WS (P<0.01) has been observed in the controls. No significant difference was observed in resting HR, exercising HR6', [La]b, HR6'/WS, and [La]b/WS ratios were observed in the control group. A significant improvement was observed for RPE in training group (P<0.05). However, no difference was shown in controls. Combined training based on intermittent aerobic exercise, muscle strength and walking improve cardiorespiratory responses and reduce the perception of fatigue in women with breast cancer.

Effects of 12-week Aerobic Exercise on Arterial Stiffness, Inflammation, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Women with Systemic LUPUS Erythematosus: Non-Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study assessed the effect of 12-week aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness (primary outcome), inflammation, oxidative stress, and cardiorespiratory fitness (secondary outcomes) in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In a non-randomized clinical trial, 58 women with SLE were assigned to either aerobic exercise (n = 26) or usual care (n = 32). The intervention comprised 12 weeks of aerobic exercise (2 sessions × 75 min/week) between 40–75% of the individual’s heart rate reserve. At baseline and at week 12, arterial stiffness was assessed through pulse wave velocity (PWV), inflammatory (i.e., high-sensitivity C-reactive protein [hsCRP], tumor necrosis factor alpha [TFN-α], and inteleukin 6 [IL-6]) and oxidative stress (i.e., myeloperoxidase [MPO]) markers were obtained from blood samples, and cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed (Bruce test). There were no between-group differences in the changes in arterial stiffness (median PWV difference −0.034, 95% CI −0.42 to 0.36 m/s; p = 0.860) or hsCRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and MPO (all p > 0.05) at week 12. In comparison to the control group, the exercise group significantly increased cardiorespiratory fitness (median difference 2.26 minutes, 95% CI 0.98 to 3.55; p = 0.001). These results suggest that 12 weeks of progressive treadmill aerobic exercise increases cardiorespiratory fitness without exacerbating arterial stiffness, inflammation, or oxidative stress in women with SLE.

Energy expenditure of household activities and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with obesity.

SummaryPatients with obesity experience difficulties in executing household activities. Our purpose was to compare the energy expenditure and exercise intensity of daily household activities and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in women with obesity and normal weight women. Twenty‐eight non‐obese women (NO, 44.6 ± 7.2 years; body mass index [BMI] 22.1 ± 1.7 kg m−2) and 20 women with obesity (OB, 44.0 ± 7.7 years; BMI 33.4 ± 2.7 kg.m−2). Peak oxygen uptake (⩒O2peak), maximal heart rate (HR) and maximal cycling power output were measured during a maximal incremental cycling test to assess CRF. Oxygen uptake (⩒O2) used to assess CRF was measured during a standardized protocol that included ironing, cleaning floor and walking and climbing stairs. The intensity of the three household activities was expressed by the ratio between ⩒O2 during household activity (⩒O2‐activity) and resting ⩒O2, and between ⩒O2 during household activity and ⩒O2peak. ⩒O2 peak was higher in OB (1845.2 ± 290.5 mL min−1) than in NO women (1612.6 ± 250.9 mL min−1, P &lt; 0.01). There were no significant differences for the ratio between ⩒O2‐activity and resting ⩒O2 between NO and OB women for any of the three household activities. No differences were observed either between the two groups for the ratio of ⩒O2‐activity to ⩒O2peak. In healthy women with obesity and normal CRF, physical activity (PA) may not be affected by energy need and intensity of household activities. In this way, these women can be motivated to maintain a high PA level contributing to lessen the cardiovascular risk.

The Effectiveness of 12-Week Greek Traditional Dances Training for Improving Postmenopausal Women Cardiorespiratory Fitness

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of 12-week Greek traditional dances training for improving postmenopausal women cardiorespiratory fitness. Twenty three postmenopausal women, aged 55-68 years, were, randomly, chosen and separated to an experimental group (n=13) that attended a 12-week Greek traditional dances program at a frequency of three sessions per week, 50 minutes each, and a control group (n=10) that continued their daily habits for the same period. Cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the six-minute walking test (6MWT) and resting heart rate (HR). For data analysis, the non-parametric test Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson correlation of the SPSS ver. 20.0 for windows was used. No significant difference in the baseline measures was detected between the two groups. After the intervention program it was found out a significant decrease in resting HR (z=-2.50, p&lt;0.05) for the experimental group, but an increase for the control group. A significant increase in distance travelled during the 6MWT (z=-3.18, p&lt;0.01) was observed in the experimental group, while the control group presented a significant decrease (z=-2.49, p&lt;0.05). The results provide evidence for the effectiveness of Greek traditional dances programs in improving the cardiorespiratory fitness of postmenopausal women.

Pain tolerance and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with dysmenorrhea

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hormonal changes are known to affect quality of life of women and may interfere in pain tolerance and cardiorespiratory exercise performance. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate and compare pressure pain tolerance threshold and cardiorespiratory fitness in women in luteal and follicular phases of the menstrual cycle. METHODS: University students aged 18-30 years old with a regular menstrual cycle were evaluated for cardiorespiratory fitness (ergospirometry), pain perception through the visual analog scale and pressure pain tolerance (algometry). RESULTS: When evaluated in follicular phase, the 13 participants exhibited a significant increase (p<0.001) in pain perception. Follicular phase also resulted in a significant reduction in pressure pain tolerance in all sites evaluated (p<0.05). At rest, follicular phase resulted in a significant increase (p<0.05) in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but no effect was observed in heart rate. At peak exercise, follicular phase caused a significant reduction (p<0.05) in heart rate and peak VO2, without significantly affecting speed, test duration and indicators of metabolism efficiency. CONCLUSION: Healthy women with dysmenorrhea show higher pain perception in follicular phase, which results in increased pain sensitivity and prejudice in hemodynamic aspects at rest and during exercise, as well as in cardiorespiratory fitness, without significant alterations in metabolism.

Exercise training at the crossover point improves bodily and cardiorespiratory data but not quality of life in women with metabolic syndrome.

This study investigated the effects of an exercise program at the intensity corresponding to the crossover point of substrate utilization (COP) on anthropometric measures, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., peak oxygen uptake [V̇O2peak] and peak power output [Ppeak]) in women with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Nineteen obese and post-menopausal women with MetS (age: 54.8±8.1 years, body mass: 89.0±12.2 kg, Body Mass Index: 34.5±4.0 kg/m2) followed a 12-week program consisting of three 45-minute sessions per week of cycle ergometer exercise. The imposed exercise intensity corresponded to COP. Before and after the program, HRQoL, V̇O2peak and Ppeak were measured and then compared. Body mass (89.0±12.2 vs. 86.2±11.0 kg), Body Mass Index (34.5±4.0 vs. 33.4±3.6 kg/m2), waist (106±10 vs. 100±9 cm) and hip (117±11 vs. 114±11 cm) circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio (0.91±0.07 vs. 0.88±0.07), fat mass (43.3±4.6 vs. 41.9±4.6%), fat-free mass (56.7±4.6 vs. 58.2±4.6%), V̇O2peak (16.6±3.4 vs. 18.1±4.1 mL/min/kg) and Ppeak (102±22 vs. 125±27 W) were significantly improved after the exercise program (P<0.05), but HRQoL showed no significant improvement on any subscale (i.e., physical functioning: performance limitation for physical activities including bathing and dressing, role physical: problems with work or other daily activities, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role emotional and mental health; P>0.05). Although a 12-week exercise program at COP improved anthropometric measures and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with MetS, self-perceived HRQoL did not significantly improve. This finding may be linked to a significant but still insufficient reduction in body mass, probably because COP is too weak exercise intensity to induce important energy expenditure.

The Effect of Lifestyle Intervention on Body Composition, Glycemic Control, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 18-22% women of reproductive age. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify expected benefits of lifestyle (exercise and dietary) interventions on various clinical outcomes in PCOS. Potential studies were identified by conducting systematic search of PubMed, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Cochrane controlled trials registry (1966 to April 2013) using key concepts of PCOS, exercise, dietary and lifestyle interventions. Significant improvements were seen in women who received lifestyle intervention vs. usual care, in body composition parameters of body mass index, mean difference (MD) = -0.12 kg.m(-2) (95% CI [-0.22, -0.03], p = .009), body mass MD = -3.42 kg (95% CI [-4.86, -1.99], p < .00001), waist circumference MD = -1.64 cm (95% CI [-2.09, -1.19], p < .00001), waist-hip ratio MD = -0.03 (95% CI [-0.05, -0.01], p = .0002), and body fat % MD = -1.71% (95% CI [-3.10, -0.32], p = .02). Insulin did not improve, MD = -1.21 pmol/L (95% CI [-3.06, -0.63], p = .20). Lipid profile did not improve, total cholesterol MD = -0.02 mmol/L (95% CI [-0.25, 0.21], p = .89). C-reactive protein was significantly lower, MD = -0.47 mmol/L (95% CI [-0.80, -0.15], p = .004). Significant improvements were also observed in cardiorespiratory fitness with exercise alone reducing resting heart rate, MD = -1.89 beats.min(-1) (95% CI [-2.90, -0.88], p = .0002), and peak VO2, MD = 4.86 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) (95% CI [2.83, 6.88], p < .00001). Lifestyle therapy also improved, peak VO2 MD = 5.09 ml.kg(-1).min(-1) (95% CI [3.13, 7.05], p < .00001). Our analyses suggest lifestyle intervention is optimal for improving body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness in women with PCOS.

Effects of exercise and group counselling on body composition and VO2max in overweight women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with an increased waist circumference and with lower cardio-respiratory fitness as a consequence of obesity, which may be improved by physical activity. To investigate the effect of high-intensity aerobic training combined with group counselling sessions on anthropometry and cardio-respiratory fitness in women with PCOS. Seventeen sedentary, overweight women with PCOS were randomized in a cross-over design to 16weeks of intervention: eight weeks high-intensity aerobic exercise was followed by eight weeks of group counselling (n=8) or vice versa (n=9). Fourteen of the women completed the tests. Waist circumference, body mass index and maximal aerobic capacity (VO(2max) ) were measured at baseline, cross-over and post-intervention. There was a decrease in waist circumference (119.9 vs. 106.5cm) and body mass index (34.9 vs. 34.4kg/m(2) ) and an increase in VO(2max) (2554.9 vs. 2807.9mL/min) during the intervention period (t=16 weeks, n=14), all p<0.05. Weight loss tended to be highest in the group which started with group counselling (2.9 vs. 0.6kg, t=16weeks, n=14, p=0.055). Exercise in groups followed by counselling or vice versa had beneficial effects on waist circumference, weight, and VO(2max) in women with PCOS. Future studies should examine possible beneficial effects of combined group counselling and exercise on weight loss and adherence to exercise protocols among women with PCOS.