Exercise In Middle-aged Women Research Articles

Load-velocity Relationship of the Bench Press Exercise is not Affected by Breast Cancer Surgery and Adjuvant Therapy.

We examined the effect of breast cancer surgery and adjuvant therapy on the relationship between bar velocity and relative intensity (load-velocity [L-V] relationship) of the bench press (BP) exercise. Twenty-two breast cancer survivors (age: 48.0±8.2 yr., relative strength: 0.40±0.08) completed a loading test up to the one-repetition maximum (1RM) in the BP using a lightweight carbon bar. General and individual relationships between relative intensity (%1RM) and mean propulsive velocity (MPV) were studied. Furthermore, the mean test velocity (MPVTest) and velocity attained to the 1RM (MPV1RM) were analyzed. These procedures and analyses were also conducted in 22 healthy women (age: 47.8±7.1 yr., relative strength: 0.41±0.09) to examine the differences in velocity parameters derived from these L-V relationships. Polynomial regressions showed very close relationships (R2≥0.965) and reduced estimation errors (≤4.9% 1RM) for both groups. Between-group differences in MPV attained to each %1RM were small (≤0.01 m·s-1) and not significant (p≥0.685). Similarly, the MPVTest (0.59±0.06 m·s-1) and MPV1RM (0.17±0.03 m·s-1) were identical for breast cancer survivors and healthy women. These results suggest that practitioners could use the same velocity parameters derived from the BP L-V relationship to prescribe this exercise in middle-aged women, regardless of whether they have suffered from breast cancer.

Aging anxiety and beliefs about exercise in middle-aged women

This study aimed to determine the levels of aging anxiety in middle-aged women who exercise and their beliefs about exercise. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study and 221 middle-aged women were contacted. For data collection, a “Personal Information Form”, the “Aging Anxiety Scale for Middle-Aged Women”, and the “Exercise Health Belief Model Scale” were used. It was found that aging anxiety varied according to age, education level, employment status, and the number of years of exercise. It was determined that as women’s general health scores increased, their physical weakness scores decreased. A positive correlation was found between beliefs about the vulnerability of not exercising and the aging anxiety score. The physical weakness score which is a subscale of aging anxiety had a significant effect on the score of beliefs about the vulnerability of not exercising and explained 13.7 % of the total variance. It has been determined that the mental health of middle-aged women is affected by the exercise they perform. It should be provided to make exercise a habit in the lives of middle-aged women and to improve their physical and mental health by organizing exercise programs.

Enhancement of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Quantity and Quality by Regular and Habitual Exercise in Middle-Aged Women with Improvements in Lipid and Apolipoprotein Profiles: Larger Particle Size and Higher Antioxidant Ability of HDL.

Regular exercise, especially aerobic exercise, is beneficial for increasing serum high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in the general population. In addition to the HDL-C quantity, exercise enhances HDL functionality, antioxidants, and cholesterol efflux. On the other hand, the optimal intensity and frequency of exercise to increase HDL quantity and enhance HDL quality in middle-aged women need to be determined. The current study was designed to compare the changes in HDL quantity and quality among middle-aged women depending on exercise intensity, frequency, and duration; participants were divided into a sedentary group (group 1), a middle-intensity group (group 2), and a high-intensity group (group 3). There were no differences in anthropometric parameters among the groups, including blood pressure, muscle mass, and handgrip strength. Although there was no difference in serum total cholesterol (TC) among the groups, the serum HDL-C and apolipoprotein (apo)A-I levels remarkably increased to 17% and 12%, respectively, in group 3. Serum low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), glucose, triglyceride, and the apo-B/apoA-I ratio were remarkably decreased in the exercise groups depending on the exercise intensity; group 3 showed 13%, 10%, and 45% lower LDL-C, glucose, and triglyceride (TG), respectively, than group 1. The hepatic and muscle damage parameter, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), was significantly decreased in the exercise groups, but high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GTP) were similar in the three groups. In LDL, the particle size was increased 1.5-fold (p < 0.001), and the oxidation extent was decreased by 40% with a 23% lower TG content in group 3 than in group 1. In the exercise groups (groups 2 and 3), LDL showed the slowest electromobility with a distinct band intensity compared to the sedentary group (group 1). In HDL2, the particle size was 2.1-fold increased (p < 0.001) in the exercise group (group 3) with a 1.5-fold increase in TC content compared to that in group 1, as well as significantly enhanced antioxidant abilities, paraoxonase (PON) activity, and ferric ion reduction ability (FRA). In HDL3, the particle size was increased 1.2-fold with a 45% reduction in TG in group 3 compared to group 1. With increasing exercise intensity, apoA-I expression was increased in HDL2 and HDL3, and PON activity and FRA were enhanced (p < 0.001). In conclusion, regular exercise in middle-aged women is associated with the elevation of serum HDL-C and apoA-I with the enhancement of HDL quality and functionality and an increase in the TC content, particle size, and antioxidant abilities. With the reduction in TG and oxidized products in LDL and HDL, lipoproteins could have more anti-atherogenic properties through regular exercise in an intensity-dependent manner.

플라잉요가 운동이 체력, 신체구성 및 스트레스호르몬에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study was to investigate of flying yoga exercise on physical fitness, body composition and cortisol in middle-aged women. Total of 20 subjects were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n=10) and an flying yoga exercise group (EG, n=10). The exercise group performed flying yoga exercise for 60 minutes per session, 3 times a week for a total of 12 weeks. In order to compare the effects of flying yoga exercise, we confirmed physical fitness, body composition and cortisol. As results of this study, Tne back strength, muscular endurance, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory endurance were significantly higher in the exercise group after exercise than in the control group. Grip strength was significantly increased post-exercise than pre-exercise in the exercise group.BR The free fat mass was significantly higher in the exercise group after exercise than in the control group. % body fat decreased significantly in the exercise group after exercise. Tne salivary cortisol was significantly lower in the exercise group after exercise. These results suggest that flying yoga exercise for 12 weeks could be the effective exercise in middle-aged women to induce a positive change in the physical fitness, body composition and a stress hormone.

Effects of Psychological Well-Being and Depression on Menopausal Symptoms in Middle-Aged South Korean Women and the Necessity of Exercise.

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data on the health by examining the effects of psychological well-being and depression on menopausal symptoms and the necessity of exercise in middle-aged women. This study is a cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire. The respondent's consent was obtained prior to data collection, and the investigation period runs from November 1, 2021 to November 30, 2021. The final analysis included 150 as respondents to the study. The tool developed by Yang was used for psychological well-being, the Korean integrated CES-D tool was used for depression, and the Menopause Symptom Index was used for menopausal symptoms. The differences and levels of psychological well-being, depression, and menopausal symptoms according to demographic and sociological characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, and ANOVA. The correlation between psychological well-being, depression, and menopausal symptoms was analyzed by Pearson's correlation, and the effect on menopausal symptoms was analyzed by multiple regression. Because of this study, significant results were found in marital status, religion, economic level, regular exercise, hobbies, personality, and subjective health in the difference in psychological well-being according to general characteristics. In depression, significant results were found in marital status, education level, monthly income, living status, regular exercise, hobbies, stress, personality, and subjective health status. Moreover, age, frequent exercise, hobby, and subjective health all had a significant impact on menopausal symptoms. According to the findings of the regression analysis, the factors influencing menopausal symptoms were, in that order, depression and psychological well-being. Among the factors that showed significant results for menopausal symptoms, exercise is recommended as a factor that can alleviate menopausal symptoms due to individual lifestyle changes, so it is expected to contribute to reducing menopausal symptoms and improving quality of life.

Comparison of core muscle strengthening exercise and stretching exercise in middle-aged women with fibromyalgia: A randomized, single-blind, controlled study.

Background:Many studies have reported that exercise is effective for fibromyalgia and various types of exercise are recommended. However, most of exercises lack evidence for fibromyalgia symptoms. We aimed to examine the effect of core muscle strengthening exercise compared to general stretching exercise in fibromyalgia patients.Methods:Forty fibromyalgia patients were enrolled. They were provided exercise program twice a week for 4 weeks: core muscle strengthening exercise and general stretching exercise.Outcome measures were Visual Analogue Scale, Borg Scale, fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), widespread pain index, Symptom Severity Scale (SS), and balance scale and measured before and after exercise program. Balance function was assessed by checking the distance of sway on soft pad with eyes open (EO) and with eyes closed (EC).Results:After program, FIQ, SS, EO, and eyes closed showed statistically significant differences in the strengthening group while Visual Analogue Scale, Borg scale, FIQ, widespread pain index, SS showed statistically significant differences in stretching group. And EO showed statistically significant differences in the intergroup analysis.Conclusions:Both exercise could improve symptoms of fibromyalgia but showed no significantly better efficiency with intergroup analysis. Only some balance function was improved with core muscle strengthening exercise with significant difference. Our study presents preliminary results regarding the comparison between both exercises for fibromyalgia through a randomized controlled trial.

걷기운동참여빈도가 중년여성의 혈중지질, 혈압, 근골격계 통증, 건강관련 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

The effect of exercise frequency on the blood lipid, blood pressure, musculoskeletal pain, and health related quality of life in middle aged womenThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the physical and mental variables and the relationship between the variables according to the frequency of participation in walking exercise in middle-aged women. 61 middle-aged women participating in the walking exercise were grouped according to the frequency of exercise participation. Physical health defined blood lipid, blood pressure, subjective musculoskeletal pain and health-related quality of life as a measure of mental health(KEQ-5D).BR There was no significant difference in physical fitness variables such as blood lipid, blood pressure, and subjective musculoskeletal pain according to frequency of walking exercise. However, the correlation between HDL-C and exercise frequency in the KEQ-5D index, a measure of health-related quality of life, was suggested, suggesting future research.BR In conclusion, walking exercise did not contribute significantly to the improvement of blood lipids, and there was no difference according to frequency. If the relationship is discussed from a long-term viewpoint through a cohort study rather than a cross-sectional study, the causal relationship between physical health and quality of life, frequency of walking exercise and quality of life can be established.

Relationship between Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Concentration and Physical Fitness after an Exercise Training in Postmenopausal Middle-aged Women.

[PURPOSE] The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentration and physical fitness after exercise in middle-aged women. [METHODS] Subjects were randomly assigned to yoga and elastic band resistance exercise group (55.21±3.78 yrs, n=11) and non-exercise group (54.10±2.51 yrs, n=7). The exercise group participants performed upper and lower extremity exercise three times per week for 12 weeks. Body weight, height, %fat, serum DHEA concentration, sit-up, grip strength, and one leg stand (with close eyes) were measured on subjects. [RESULTS] Serum DHEA concentration showed an increased trend after exercise training as compared to before exercise training, but no significant difference between before and after exercise training. Also, variables related to physical fitness as sit-up, grip strength, and one leg stand were significantly (p<.05) increased after exercise training as compared to before exercise training. However, serum DHEA concentration and variables related to physical fitness showed no significant relationship. [CONCLUSIONS] Yoga and elastic band resistance exercise training could improve muscular physical fitness, and could be a potential method increasing serum DHEA concentration in middle-aged women, but this possibility is an obscure. In future studies, the intensity of exercise for increasing physical fitness of middle-aged women and the exercise intensity for metabolic function enhancement due to elevated DHEA concentration in blood should be presented differently.

The Effect of 12-week-long Nordic Walking Exercise on Body Composition, Changes in Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism Indices, Concentration of Selected Adipokines and Calcidiol in Healthy Middle-aged Women

Research objective. This study aimed at analysing the changes in the level of somatic indicators, the secretion profile of selected adipokines, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism indices and calcidiol concentration after a 12-week-long nordic walking (NW) exercise in middle-aged women. Research material and methods. The study included 13 women aged 45.5±4.2 years who participated in a 12-week-long NW exercise, 3 times a week, 90 minutes each. Each of the women had individually determined workout intensity zones which were monitored based on the heart rate. Prior to the exercise programme and after it, somatic traits were assessed and blood was sampled in order to make biochemical analyses. Results. In the examined women, a decrease in mean body weight by 2.5 kg and a reduction in fat mass (FM), on average by 3.8 kg (i.e. 4.6%), coupled with an increase in lean body mass (LBM) by 1.3 kg, were observed after 36 workout units. A significant decrease in TC, LDL-C and TG concentrations and no changes in HDL-C concentration occurred after the exercise, which contributed to lowered atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and atherosclerosis risk index (ARI). Conclusions. Individualised and regular physical activity in the form of NW had a protective effect on the body, resulting in improved body composition, adiponectin secretion profile, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and calcidiol concentration in middle-aged women.

Cycle training modulates satellite cell and transcriptional responses to a bout of resistance exercise.

This investigation evaluated whether moderate‐intensity cycle ergometer training affects satellite cell and molecular responses to acute maximal concentric/eccentric resistance exercise in middle‐aged women. Baseline and 72 h postresistance exercise vastus lateralis biopsies were obtained from seven healthy middle‐aged women (56 ± 5 years, BMI 26 ± 1, VO 2max 27 ± 4) before and after 12 weeks of cycle training. Myosin heavy chain (MyHC) I‐ and II‐associated satellite cell density and cross‐sectional area was determined via immunohistochemistry. Expression of 93 genes representative of the muscle‐remodeling environment was also measured via NanoString. Overall fiber size increased ~20% with cycle training (P = 0.052). MyHC I satellite cell density increased 29% in response to acute resistance exercise before endurance training and 50% with endurance training (P < 0.05). Following endurance training, MyHC I satellite cell density decreased by 13% in response to acute resistance exercise (acute resistance × training interaction, P < 0.05). Genes with an interaction effect tracked with satellite cell behavior, increasing in the untrained state and decreasing in the endurance trained state in response to resistance exercise. Similar satellite cell and gene expression response patterns indicate coordinated regulation of the muscle environment to promote adaptation. Moderate‐intensity endurance cycle training modulates the response to acute resistance exercise, potentially conditioning the muscle for more intense concentric/eccentric activity. These results suggest that cycle training is an effective endurance exercise modality for promoting growth in middle‐aged women, who are susceptible to muscle mass loss with progressing age.

Factors influencing adherence to regular exercise in middle-aged women: a qualitative study to inform clinical practice.

BackgroundAbout half of women decrease their regular exercise during middle age. Concurrently, they experience a reduction in basal metabolic rate and loss of lean muscle as they transition to menopause. The combined effects place these women at increased risk for body weight gain and associated co-morbidities. Further research is required to better assess their barriers to regular exercise and to develop more applied knowledge aimed to improve the applicability of clinical interventions aimed at this population. The main aim of this study was to identify enablers and barriers influencing adherence to regular exercise in middle-aged women who exercise.MethodsAn interpretive description qualitative study was conducted using individual interviews. The two key questions were focused on planning to engage in physical activity and succeeding or planning to engage in physical activity and not succeeding. Inductive content analysis was used.ResultsFifty-three women interviewed were aged 40–62 years and experiencing mild to moderate menopausal symptoms. Six broad themes influencing adhering to regular exercise were: routine, intrinsic motivation, biophysical issues, psychosocial commitments, environmental factors, and resources. Common sub-themes were identified as enabling factors: daily structure that incorporated physical activity (broad theme routine), anticipated positive feelings associated with physical activity (intrinsic), and accountability to others (psychosocial). Other common sub-themes identified as barriers were disruptions in daily structure (routine), competing demands (routine) and self-sacrifice (psychosocial).ConclusionsThe most common barrier middle-aged women describe as interfering with adhering to regular exercise was attributable to the demands of this life stage at home and with others. Lack of time and menopausal symptoms were not identified as the common barriers. To support women to adhere to regular exercise, healthcare professionals should consider a narrative approach to assessing barriers and focus on enablers to overcoming identified barriers.

Effect of Training Status on Energy Expenditure after Resistance Exercise in Middle-Aged Women

The acute effects of resistance exercise (RE) on energy expenditure (EE) in the post-exercise period have not been well studied in women. We have previously demonstrated that in untrained women, training volume rather than lean mass exerts the strongest, most consistent effect on EE after an acute bout of RE. However, the effect of training status has not been explored. PURPOSE: To identify factors influencing recovery EE in trained women after an acute bout of RE. METHODS: Ten healthy, middle-aged women (45.6 ± 1.4 years) were recruited after completion of an 8-week resistance training study in which they gained 0.9 ± 0.3 kg of lean mass. Body composition was measured via air displacement plethysmography. Participants completed an acute bout of RE consisting of 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions at 50-80% 1RM for 8 exercises (chest press, leg press, latissimus pulldown, leg extension, shoulder press, leg curl, biceps curl, triceps pushdown). EE (VO2) was measured before and for 120 minutes after RE. Post-exercise EE data were analyzed as 2-minute means at time points 2, 20, 40, 60, 90 and 120 minutes of the recovery period. RESULTS: Participants were overweight (BMI 29.1 ± 1.6 kg/m2), centrally obese (waist circumference 91.5 ± 4 cm), with body composition 41.8 ± 1.8% fat and 58.3 ± 1.8% lean. Mean training time was 19.6 ± 0.7 minutes, training volume was 8,563 ± 643 kg, and total recovery EE was approximately 160 ± 8.5 kcal (32 ± 1.7 L O2). Pearson's correlation analysis found no relationship between recovery EE and age, training volume or delay between cessation of training and commencement of metabolic measurement. Training time, body mass and BMI were positively and significantly related to EE at all recovery time points. Absolute lean mass had the strongest positive relationship to post exercise EE, through 120 minutes of the recovery period (time point 2: r= 0.83, p=0.003; time point 20: r=0.92, p<0.001; time point 40: r=0.85, p=0.002; time point 60: r=0.82, p=0.004; time point 90: r=0.73, p=0.02; time point 120: r=0.85, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In these trained women acute post-exercise EE was influenced primarily by absolute (kg) lean mass. These findings suggest an adaptive mechanism in response to regular training that makes lean mass more metabolically active, so that it positively influences EE without regard for age or training volume.

Relationships between menopausal symptoms, depression, and exercise in middle-aged women: A cross-sectional survey

Objectives To determine the relationship between the severity of menopausal symptoms and depression in Korean women, 40–60 years of age, and to compare the severity of menopausal symptoms and depression between subjects who exercise regularly and subjects who do not exercise regularly. Methods Data for this cross-sectional, descriptive study were collected by administering questionnaires eliciting general information, menopausal symptoms, the Beck Depression Index and an exercise history to 648 middle-aged women who participated in a women's health promotion program held in the public health center located in Incheon, Korea. Results There was a significant positive correlation between the severity of menopausal symptoms and depression. The severity of menopausal symptoms and depression in subjects who exercised more than three times a week were significantly lower than in the subjects who did not exercise. Menopausal symptoms differed significantly by education, marital status, economic level, and menopausal status. Economic status was related to education level and marital status. The correlation between body mass index and hot flushes was significant, but the magnitude of the correlation coefficient was small ( r = .208, p = .000). Conclusions Women who were depressed had more menopausal symptoms than women who were not depressed, and women who exercised regularly were less depressed and less symptomatic than women who did not exercise.

Effect of Protein Ingestion on Energy Expenditure and Substrate Utilization after Exercise in Middle-Aged Women

Research suggests that ingesting protein after resistance exercise (RE) increases muscle protein synthesis and results in greater muscle gains. The effect on energy expenditure and substrate utilization, however, is unclear. This study evaluated the effect of RE and postexercise protein on recovery energy expenditure and substrate utilization in 17 women (age 46.5 +/- 1.2 y). A whey-protein supplement (120 kcal, 30 g protein) was ingested immediately after 1 bout of RE (PRO) and a noncaloric placebo after another (PLA).VO2 and respiratory-exchange ratio (RER) were measured before and for 120 min after each exercise session. RE resulted in a significant increase in VO2 that persisted through 90 min of recovery (P < 0.01) and was not affected by protein supplementation. RE significantly lowered RER, resulting in an increase in fat oxidation for both PLA and PRO (P < 0.01). For PRO, however, RER returned to baseline values earlier than for PLA, resulting in a reduced fat-oxidation response (P = 0.02) and earlier return to preexercise baseline values than for PLA. Substrate utilization was significantly different between conditions (P = 0.02), with fat contributing 77.76% +/- 2.19% for PLA and 72.12% +/- 2.17% for PRO, while protein oxidation increased from 17.18% +/- 1.33% for PLA to 20.82% +/- 1.47% for PRO. Postexercise protein did not affect energy expenditure, but when protein was available as an alternate fuel fat oxidation was diminished. Based on these findings it might be beneficial for middle-aged women to delay protein intake after RE to maximize fat utilization.

12주간 수영운동이 중년여성의 호흡순화능력, 혈청지질수준 및 체지방률에 미치는 영향

The purpose of this study is to investigate changes of physical fitness by cardiopulmonary function, blood lipids and percent of body fat according to 12 weeks swimming exercise in middle-aged women. It could be a basis for efficient exercise prescription for middle-aged women. The subjects of this study were totally 24 women and divided into two groups : swimming group (n=12) and compared group (n=12). The swimming exercise was performed 5days per a week during 12 weeks by intensity of 60-80% HRmax. The results are as follow: 1. On the difference of cardiopulmonary functions, maximum oxygen uptake (502.6㎖/min, p.Ol) and Maximum oxygen uptake per body weight (9.8㎖/kg/min, p.Ol) were significantly increase. HRmax (8.7beats/min, p.05) and HRrest (2.2beats/min, p.05) were significantly decrease. SBP (9.4mmHg, p.05) were significantly decrease, but DBP was not a significant difference. 2. TG(19.9mg/㎗, p.05) and FFA(21.7mg/㎗, p0.5) were significant decrease. HDL-C(5.9mg/㎗, p0.001) were significant increase. and TC and LDL-C was not a significant difference. 3. Percent of Body Fat were significantly increase(3.7%, p.05). The weight were decreased but it shows not static significant meaning. Because increase of Percent of Body Fat could be a risk factor of coronary arteriosclerosis or diabetes, it must be improve. With aging, strength and cardiopulmonary functions are decrease. So it is important to take aerobic exercise regularly with use of gross muscle group.

Physiological benefits of 24-style Taijiquan exercise in middle-aged women.

This study examined the physiological benefits of 24-style Taijiquan (24TJQ) exercises by comparing heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), exercise intensity, electroencephalograph, surface electromyography and surface thermograph, as well as the results of physical fitness test in 20 middle-aged women (10 skilled participants and 10 novices). The data from the skilled participants showed greater values in sit-ups (p<0.01), side step (p<0.01) and stand trunk flexion (p<0.05), moreover, the statistic data demonstrated not only greater HR (p<0.05) or lower RR during exercise, but also higher beta%-power during the experiment, higher alpha%-power in the eye-closed period and central alpha dominant after exercise. These results suggest that 24TJQ is effective to promote physiological benefits in middle-aged women. It attracts strong interest and is helpful to induce psychological relaxation and mental concentration.

Retained fibrinolytic response and no coagulation activation after acute physical exercise in middle-aged women with previous myocardial infarction

Sudden physical exertion is associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and sudden cardiac death. In addition, activation of the coagulation cascade and/or reduced fibrinolytic capacity after physical exercise has been reported in patients with cardiovascular disease. We investigated the haemostatic responses to an acute submaximal physical exercise in middle-aged women with a history of MI compared with healthy, age-matched controls. Resting plasma von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF Ag) and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) antigen concentrations and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) activity were higher in the patients compared with control subjects. After 30 min of submaximal exercise on a bicycle ergometer, small, but still significant, increases in fibrinogen and vWF Ag concentrations were found in both groups. However, exercise did not induce thrombin generation and fibrin formation, as assessed by thrombin–antithrombin complex and fibrin D-dimer, in either group. Both tPA antigen concentration and activity increased and PAI-1 activity decreased significantly with exercise in both groups. Interestingly, the magnitude of changes in these latter variables did not differ between the groups ( P=.99, P=.88 and P=.24, respectively). The present study demonstrates that some middle-aged women with previous MI have no signs of coagulation activation and retained fibrinolytic response after submaximal exercise. The clinical implication of these results might be that women with stable coronary heart disease can participate in rehabilitative exercise training without exhibiting a procoagulative state.

Positive Influences of Exercise in Middle-Aged Women: More Research Needed

Positive Influences of Exercise in Middle-Aged Women: More Research Needed

Cardiorespiratory effects of weight reduction by exercise in middle-aged women with obesity.

The cardiorespiratory responses to weight reduction due to physical exercise were examined in fourteen women with obesity, aged 36 to 67 years (Body Mass Index, 32.4 +/- 1.5 kg/m2). The patients were instructed to exercise at approximately 60% of maximum oxygen uptake for 2 h every day for approximately 3 months. To evaluate physical strength, a graded cycling exercise test was performed both before and after the exercise period, monitoring gas exchange, ventilation, and heart rate. After the exercise period the body mass index and percentage fat both decreased by 11% and 18%, respectively (P < 0.001), although lean body mass did not change; maximum oxygen uptake and maximum heart rate did not change significantly, but peak ventilation equivalent, maximum metabolic equivalent and maximum load increased by 12%, 14% and 11%, respectively (P < 0.05, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Maximum oxygen uptake per unit body weight increased by 5% (P < 0.001). These results suggest that weight reduction as a result of exercise improves cardiorespiratory function in middle-aged women with obesity.

Polarcardiographic responses to maximal exercise in middle-aged women

A polarcardiographic study of 72 apparently healthy middle-aged women to determine the effects of maximal exercise showed the following postexertional responses: increased heart rate, decreased PR and QT intervals, increasedmagnitude and anterior rotation of theand TPA latitudes. A transient increase in the frequency of polarcardiographic infarction criteria occurred following exercise.