Health Of Middle-aged Women Research Articles

Trajectories of peripheral white blood cells count around the menopause: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundMenopause significantly impacts the immune system. Postmenopausal women are more susceptible to infection. Nonetheless, the pattern of change in peripheral white blood cell counts around the menopause remains poorly understood.MethodsWe conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study with repeated measurements using Kailuan cohort study of 3632 Chinese women who participated in the first checkup (2006–2007) and reached their final menstrual period (FMP) by the end of the seventh checkup (2018–2020). Peripheral WBC count indicators included total white blood cells (TWBC), neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYM), and monocytes (MON). Multivariable mixed effects regressions fitted piece-wise linear models to repeated measures of WBC count indicators as a function of time before or after the final menstrual period (FMP). Interaction and subgroup analysis were used to explore the effects of age and body mass index (BMI) on changes in WBC indicators around FMP.ResultsWBC count indicators decreased before the FMP, and the reduction in TWBC, NEUT, and MON continued for 2 years following the FMP. LYM and NEUT declined during < -1 years and − 4 ∼ + 2 years relative to FMP, respectively. A reduction in MON was observed pre-FMP, extending continuously through the two-year period post-FMP. TWBC declined from − 3 to + 2 years relative to FMP, but both MON and TWBC increased during > + 2 years. The baseline age had an interaction effect on changes in WBC indicators during specific menopausal stages, except for TWBC. Individuals in different age subgroups showed distinct trajectories for NEUT, LYM and MON around the FMP. High baseline BMI had a synergistic effect on changes in specific menopause segments for TWBC, LYM, and MON. The impact of menopause on TWBC and LYM was postponed or counterbalanced in high BMI individuals. Individuals in three BMI subgroups experienced similar MON changes around FMP, and there were slight variations during < -4 years.ConclusionsMenopause was associated with count changes of peripheral WBC. The trajectories of various WBC types differ around menopause. Age and BMI affected WBC trajectory around menopause. The menopause period may represent a window of opportunity to promote immune health in middle-aged women.

Relationships of BMI and Weight Perception with Mental Health in Middle-aged Women: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2022

Relationships of BMI and Weight Perception with Mental Health in Middle-aged Women: Based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2022

Impact of physical activity on menopausal symptoms and health in middle-aged women

The aim of this article is to review and analyze what is known about the effects of physical activity on the physical and mental health of menopausal women, and to summarize general recommendations for women at this time. Studies show that physical activity can lead to a reduction in the severity of symptoms associated with menopause. The enhanced quality of life is also due to the beneficial effects of physical activity on a woman's metabolism. Regular exercise leads to a normalization of lipid metabolism, a reduction in body fat, an improvement in bone density and, therefore, the avoidance of osteoporosis.

THE IMPACT OF DAIRY CONSUMPTION ON WEIGHT FLUCTUATIONS AND OBESITY RISK THROUGHOUT MENOPAUSE: A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Introduction: The perimenopausal transition poses significant physiological changes and an elevated risk of obesity among women, with studies demonstrating weight gain and metabolic disruptions during this phase. Dairy products, recommended in the typical diet, remain contentious in their impact on weight despite their nutrient-rich composition. Our systematic review aims to address this uncertainty by synthesizing existing evidence on the association between dairy consumption, weight change, and obesity risk during the menopausal transition, shedding light on the nuanced effects of different dairy products and informing tailored dietary interventions for optimal health during this critical life stage. Method: The researchers in this study followed the 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines to ensure that their work met the required standards. This was done to ensure the precision and reliability of the conclusions derived from the research. Result: This systematic review investigated final 20 articles. After looking at the titles and summaries, we found 10 papers that fit our criteria. At first, we excluded several articles because they were written in review style and case reports. But after reading the full papers carefully, we included five papers in our final analysis. These papers included analytical cohort, randomized, crossover study, and prospective study. Conclusion: In conclusion, incorporating yogurt into the diet may benefit perimenopausal women by reducing weight gain and obesity risk, but further investigation is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. Additionally, controlled-feeding studies showed limited effects of short-term consumption of 2 fat milk on cardiometabolic risk factors in postmenopausal women with abdominal obesity, raising questions about disparities with epidemiological findings associating dairy consumption with reduced risk of metabolic disorders. Longitudinal cohort studies found no evidence supporting the beneficial effects of dairy intake on bone health in middle-aged women, while higher total dairy intake, mainly from high-fat sources, was associated with less weight gain over time in women with normal BMI at baseline. Further well-powered trials are needed to comprehensively understand dairy's role in preventing weight gain and obesity across different life stages.

Lipoprotein subfractions and subclinical vascular health in middle aged women: does menopause status matter?

During midlife, women experience changes in lipoprotein profiles and deterioration in vascular health measures. We analyzed the associations of groups of lipoprotein subfractions as determined by principal component analysis (PCA) with subclinical vascular health measures in midlife women and tested if these associations were modified by menopause status. PCA was used to generate principal components (PCs) from 12 lipoprotein subfractions quantified among 545 midlife women. The associations of the identified PCs and concurrent vascular health measures were assessed using linear or logistic regressions among participants with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT; n = 259), coronary artery calcium (n = 249), or aortic calcium (n = 248) scores. PCA generated four PCs representing groups of (1) small, medium, and large very low-density lipoproteins subclasses-very low-density lipoprotein PC; (2) very small, small, and medium low-density lipoprotein (LDL) subclasses-small-medium LDL-PC; (3) large and small high-density lipoproteins subclasses and midzone particles-high-density lipoprotein PC; and (4) large LDL and small intermediate-density lipoproteins-large LDL-PC. Small-medium LDL-PC was positively associated with cIMT, coronary artery calcium, and aortic calcium in unadjusted but not in adjusted models. Menopause status modified the positive association of the small-medium LDL-PC with cIMT (interaction P = 0.02) such that this association was stronger after versus before menopause ( P = 0.01). Carotid intimal medial thickening is positively and independently associated with small- and medium-sized LDL particles after menopause. Monitoring levels of specific lipoprotein fractions may have value in identifying midlife women at risk for developing atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Effectiveness of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention Programme on Symptom Experience and Health Related Quality of Life among Post Menopausal Women

Background: Overall health of middle-aged women have become a major public health concern, there is therefore a need to evaluate the effectiveness of comprehensive nursing intervention program with the intention of reducing their symptom experience and increasing their health-related quality of life. Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of comprehensive nursing intervention program on reducing the symptom experience and increasing their health related quality of life. Methodology: Menopausal Rating Scale (MRS) was used for assessing postmenopausal symptoms and WHOQOL-BREF quality of life scale was used for assessing quality of life of postmenopausal women. 60 post menopausal women attending at B.V.V.Sangha’s Akkanabalaga Bagalkot were selected for the study using Simple random technique with Lottery method and then 30 post menopausal women were randomly assigned to experimental and control group respectively using computer generated random sequence. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25v. Findings: Findings related to significance of difference between post-test symptom experience and health related quality of life scores of experimental group and control group postmenopausal women revealed that, there was a significant difference between the post test symptom experience scores of experimental group and post test symptom experience scores of control group [t=26.052, p=0.000]. Similarly, there was significant difference between post test health related quality of life scores of experimental group and post test health related quality of life scores of control group [t= 23.117,p=0.000]. Conclusion: The study concluded that the comprehensive nursing intervention was highly effective in reducing the symptom experience and health related quality of life scores of post menopausal women. Keywords: Symptom Experience, Quality of Life, Postmenopausal Women, Comprehensive Nursing Interventions.

Experiences of Urinary Incontinence Management in Older Women: A Qualitative Study.

IntroductionOlder women have various experiences regarding the management of urinary incontinence depending on the societies they live in and their cultural backgrounds. The present study aimed to determine older women's experiences in urinary incontinence management.MethodsThe present qualitative study employed a conventional content analysis approach and was conducted in Iran from 2019 to 2020. In this research, the data were collected through face-to-face unstructured in-depth interviews with 22 older women suffering from urinary incontinence selected via purposeful sampling. The interviews were continued until reaching the data saturation point. Data analysis was performed simultaneously with data collection. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed through Graneheim and Lundman style content analysis, and data management was done using the MAXQDA software. In order to achieve the accuracy and validity of the study, the Four-Dimensions Criteria (FDC) by Lincoln and Guba, namely credibility, dependability, conformability, and transformability, were considered and used.ResultsThis study was conducted on 22 older women suffering from urinary incontinence with the mean age of 66.54 ± 5.76 years. The acquired data were put in four main categories of “resilience” with three subcategories, “change in lifestyle” with six subcategories, “attempt for treatment of the condition” with three subcategories, and “receiving support” with two subcategories.ConclusionThe study results indicated that the older women suffering from urinary incontinence were resilient against the condition, had changed their lifestyles to manage the condition, and sought treatment. In addition, receiving support from the family and the society played a significant role in the follow-up and management of the condition. The present study findings can help healthcare team members focus on urinary incontinence, design care programs for older women with this condition, and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, focusing on young and middle-aged women's health, providing them with the necessary training for taking care of the genitourinary system, and raising their awareness for preventing urinary incontinence during old ages can be helpful. Moreover, increasing the healthcare team's sensitivity and following the patients up can help diagnose, manage, and treat the condition before exerting adverse impacts on their quality of life.

Effectiveness of a Per-Meal Protein Prescription and Nutrition Education with versus without Diet Coaching on Dietary Protein Intake and Muscle Health in Middle-Aged Women.

Sufficient dietary protein intake is vital to maintaining muscle health with aging. Yet protein intake among adults is often inadequate. This study’s main objective was to examine the impact of nutrition education (NE) and a per-meal protein prescription (PRx) with versus without diet coaching on protein intake. A secondary objective examined its effects on muscle health. Participants included 53 women, age 45–64 years. All participants received NE and PRx; those randomized to coached-group received 10-weeks of diet coaching. Assessments included: protein intake at baseline, weeks 4 and 12 and muscle health (muscle mass, grip strength, five-chair rise test, 4 mgait speed test). The Chi-square test examined percentages of participants meeting PRx between groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance assessed within group and intervention effects on protein intake and muscle health parameters. Protein intake (g/kg body weight) increased (p < 0.001): not-coached (n = 28) 0.8 ± 0.2 to 1.2 ± 0.3 and coached (n = 25) 1.0 ± 0.2 to 1.4 ± 0.3 with no significant difference between groups. A greater percentage of coached-group participants met (p = 0.04) breakfast (72%) and met (p < 0.001) three-meal (76%) PRx versus not-coached participants (25% and 53%, respectively). Participants in both groups exhibited significantly (p < 0.001) improved times for the five-chair rise test and 4 mgait speed test. Diet coaching in conjunction with a PRx and NE should be considered to assist individuals in improving protein intake through self-selection of protein-rich foods.

Correction of indicators of physical condition of women of the second period of mature age with excess body weight in the course of occupations by improving fitness

The aim was to assess the impact of the program of individual preventive and health-enhancing exercise classes on the improvement of physical condition in middle-aged overweight women. Material and methods: theoretical analysis of special scientific and methodological literature; anthropometric, physiological, and pedagogical methods; and the methods of mathematical statistics. The study involved 62 middle-aged women with an average age of 38.5 years. The duration of the transformative pedagogical experiment was nine months. Results. In women, there were statistically significant (p &lt;0.05; p &lt;0.01) improvements in blood pressure, lung vital capacity, and heart rate recovery after dynamic exercise, which characterize the work of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. An increase in the mean group value of maximum oxygen consumption by 10.8% indicated an increase in the level of physical performance in the women. After the nine-month program, there were significant changes (p &lt;0.05; p &lt;0.01) in the values of the indicators that characterize the level of physical health of middle-aged women. The quantitative score of the participants of the experiment improved by 40.3% (p &lt;0.001) and corresponded to the “average level” according to the gradation scale of physical health. At the end of the pedagogical experiment, significant changes were observed (p &lt;0.05; p &lt;0.01) in the mean group results of exercise tests compared to the beginning of the experiment. In women, there were improvements under the influence of health-enhancing exercises in static balance (by 62.7% and 44.2%), muscle endurance (by 38.7%), flexibility (by 24.1%), strength (by 21.6%), and endurance (by 6.0%). Conclusions. Assessment of the proposed program showed its positive effects and effectiveness. The results of the study can be useful for fitness professionals when designing individual health-enhancing fitness programs focused on improving physical condition in middle-aged overweight women.

Functional Health in Korean Middle-Aged Women with Poor Sleep Quality.

PURPOSETo develop and test a structural model of functional health in middle‐aged women based on the theory of unpleasant symptoms.METHODSThe direct and indirect effects of menopause status, childhood trauma, post‐traumatic stress, social support, and sleep quality on functional health of 264 Korean women were examined.FINDINGSMenopause status and poor sleep quality had a negative direct effect and social support had a positive direct effect on functional health. Menopause status had a negative indirect effect on functional health through poor sleep quality.CONCLUSIONSBiopsychosocial nursing intervention programs need to be developed to improve functional health in middle‐aged women.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICEIt is important to mediate quality of sleep to improve functional health in middle‐aged women.목적불쾌증상 이론을 바탕으로 중년 여성의 건강기능을 평가하기 위함이다.방법264명의 한국 여성을 대상으로 건강기능에 영향을 미치는 폐경, 아동기 외상, 외상 후 스트레스, 사회적 지지의 직ㆍ간접적 영향을 확인하였다.결과폐경과 낮은 수면의 질은 건강기능에 부적 영향을 미쳤으며, 사회적 지지는 건강기능에 정적 영향을 미쳤다. 폐경은 건강기능에 간접적 영향을 미쳤다.결론중년여성의 건강기능을 증진하기 위해 신체ㆍ심리ㆍ사회적 요인을 고려한 통합적 중재가 필요하다.간호실무 적용점: 중년여성의 건강기능을 유지하기 위해 수면의 질을 중재하는 것이 중요하다.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated factors in middle-aged women: a cross-sectional study in Northeast Brazil

ABSTRACT We determined the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and associated factors in 419 women (aged 40 to 65 years) in Northeast Brazil in a cross-sectional study conducted from April to November 2013. We defined MetS using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Socio-demographic variables, reproductive factors, lifestyle factors, anthropometrics, body composition, quality of life, and physical performance were assessed for their associations. We constructed multivariate Poisson regression models to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We identified 275 (65.6%) cases of MetS. The three most prevalent indicators were obesity (73.5%), reduced high-density lipoprotein level (63.0%), and elevated blood pressure (60.9%). In the final adjusted model, black race (PR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07–1.57), lower grip strength/body mass index (PR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15–1.50), and low estradiol levels (PR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00–1.35) were associated with MetS. MetS is a long-term threat to the health of middle-aged women and a potential public health burden. These results may help in developing health promotion strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with MetS in this vulnerable population.

일 도시 지역 중년여성의 지각된 스트레스, 부부친밀감, 정신건강이 갱년기 적응에 미치는 영향

Purpose: This study is to provide basic data for the development of climacteric adaptation programs by identifying relevant factors based on the degree of climacteric adaptation and perceived stress, marital closeness and mental health in middle-aged women. Methods: The data were collected from 191 middle-aged women aged 45 to 60 living in the B metropolitan city during July to September 2018. The data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 21.0 Statistical Program by descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Scheffé test, Pearson

Effects of a Weight Management Program on Body Composition, and Calcium, Zinc, and Iron Intake in Middle-aged Women with Obesity

Purpose: We sought to observe the effects of a body weight management program on body composition, physical activity, and intake of calcium, zinc, iron, and other nutrients in middle-aged women with obesity. Methods: Middle-aged women with obesity were divided into the following 2 groups: weight management plus nutrition education and exercise (WM-NE) and weight management and exercise (WM-E). Then, we observed their anthropometric parameters, physical activity and dietary intake for 3 months. Results: Both groups showed a significant decrease in the mean body weight, BMI, body fat, body fat mass, waist circumference, and waist/hip ratio and showed a significant increase in endurance and flexibility after participating in the weight management program. The intake of calcium, zinc and iron in both groups decreased after participation in the weight management program. Conclusion: Consequently, the weight management program decreased body fat and waist circumference and increased physical fitness. These are positive steps for obesity improvement in middle-aged women with obesity. However, intake of calcium, zinc, and iron decreased; especially, calcium intake was insufficient. Therefore, we would like to study the weight management programs to improve bone health in middle-aged women with obesity.

Effects of aerobic and resistance exercises on circulating apelin-12 and apelin-36 concentrations in obese middle-aged women: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe risk for obesity-related diseases increases with the prevalence of obesity. In obesity, adipokines secreted from adipose tissue induce inflammation, causing adverse effects. Recently, adipokines such as apelin, visfatin, and chemerin have been studied. Long-term resistance training improves health in middle-aged women by improving metabolic risk factors, body composition, and muscle strength. However, there is still a lack of evidence on the association of apelin concentration with different exercise types in middle-aged obese women This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks of aerobic and resistance exercises on apelin-12 and apelin-36 levels and thereby verify the effects of different exercise types in obese, middle-aged women.MethodsParticipants were middle-aged women aged 50–61 years, with no experience of systematic exercise in the last 6 months, and met the WHO obesity criteria for the Asia-Pacific region of waist circumference ≥ 80 cm and body fat percentage ≥ 30%. Subjects were selected and allocated to the aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, or no exercise group by block randomization. Body weight, body fat, and body mass index were measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Analysis of variance, the t-test, and Tukey’s post-hoc test were performed.ResultsA total of 24 participants were selected with eight participants in each group. Both aerobic and resistance exercises were effective in altering the physical composition, showing significant decreases in weight, waist circumference, BMI, and body fat. The aerobic and resistance exercise group showed a significant, positive change in apelin-12 levels.ConclusionsIn obese individuals, aerobic and resistance exercise were effective in improving obesity and reducing blood apelin-12 concentration, which is closely correlated with indicators of metabolic syndrome.Future research should focus on comparing the response of apelin to exercise in obese subjects treated with only dietary control and the response in the obese subjects of different ages and sex.Trial registrationNo. 1040917–201,506-BR-153-04, Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS), Republic of Korea (05 October 2018, retrospectively registered).

Development of the Short Form Adolescent Parenting Stress Scale

This study aimed to develop the Short Form Adolescent Parenting Stress Scale (APSS) to assess primary mental health of middle aged women with adolescent child. Methods: Data were collected from 210 middle aged women with adolescent children from two large cities in South Korea. Self-reported data were collected in September 2018. Using SPSS/WIN 21.0 version, an exploratory factor analysis was conducted to verify construct validity. Pearson’s correlation coefficients and intra-class coefficient between original scale and the short form were evaluated for convergent validity. Reliability was tested using Cronbach’s α. Results: The Short Form-APSS consisted of 3 sub-scales among 34 items: adolescent domain (11 items/4 factors); parent domain (13 items/5 factors); and adolescent-parent relationship domain (10 items/3 factors). It was observed to have strong explanation (adjusted R2=.98) and high correlation (r=.99) with the original APSS. The Short Form-APSS demonstrated sufficient level of intra-class coefficient (α=.99) and internal consistency (α=.94). Conclusion: The Short Form-APSS is valid and reliable to measure adolescent parenting stress amongst Korean mothers. It can be used for development and evaluation of parents’ role in education programs for improving adolescent mental health.

Women’s mid-life health in Low and Middle Income Countries: A comparative analysis of the timing and speed of health deterioration in six countries

BackgroundMid-life is a neglected stage of women’s lives, particularly in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). Birth injuries, menopause and manual labour can contribute to health problems in the mid-life. ObjectivesThis study analyses the relationship between women’s health deterioration and age across socio-economic groups in 6 countries (China, Ghana, Mexico, Russia, South Africa and India). MethodsUsing constrained cubic splines, I analysed data from the WHO SAGE survey to examine age and wealth patterns in the onset of deterioration in objective proxies of ageing. ResultsResults show a clear pattern of deterioration in health in middle-aged women. Ageing processes differ dramatically between rich and poor strata within countries and between countries. DiscussionThis study clearly shows that the onset of ageing in women in LMICs begins in the early forties. The paper highlights the need to focus more on mid-life health of women, in particular poorer ones.

Obesity and its Effects on Health in Middle-Aged Women from Slums of Pune.

Aim:The study aims to find out the prevalence of obesity and its consequences on the health of middle-aged (45–59 years) women in slum areas.Methodology:The present study includes 559 women between 45 and 59 years of age from slums of Pune city, Maharashtra. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, physical activity using International Physical Activity Questionnaire long version, information on dietary habits, chronic illnesses, etc., Univariate analysis and further multiple logistic regressions were used to determine associations and risk estimates using Statistical Package for the Social Science version 16.Results:About 60% had body mass index (BMI) above normal, 39% were overweight, and 21.3% obese. The percentage of obesity increased with increasing age. Obesity was significantly associated with working status (P = 0.042), hypertension (P = 0.013), knee pain (P = 0.029), squatting (P = 0.001), walking (P = 0.001), climbing stairs (P = 0.004), and rising from chair (P = 0.040). Functional decline was reported by 62.8% women. Odds of having high blood pressure 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–3.0), difficulty in squatting, walking was 1.5 (95% CI: 1.0–2.4) and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.0–3.6) respectively more in overweight. Higher odds of having blood pressure 1.8 (95% CI: 1.0–3.3) and difficulty in walking 2.4 (95% CI: 1.2–4.6) was observed in obese women as compared to women in normal BMI category.Conclusion:The study shows that the prevalence of obesity is higher among women even in the low-income areas. This indicates a need for specific interventions targeted to women in urban slum. The inclusion of multicomponent intervention will prove to be beneficial at the community level.

Intimate personal violence and caregiving: Influences on physical and mental health in middle-aged women

ObjectivesTo investigate if women with a history of having experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) who undertook caregiving would experience worse mental and physical health compared to those without caregiving roles. Study design and main outcome measuresIPV, caregiving history and data on covariates were collected between 1996 and 2010 from 8453 participants in the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health aged between 45 and 65 over the course of the study. Regression analyses were used to analyse the association of IPV and caregiving (categorised as IPV+caregiving, IPV+no caregiving, no IPV+caregiving, no IPV+no caregiving), with and without adjustment for covariates, on mental and physical health-related quality of life (HRQOL), depressive symptoms and perceived stress, measured in 2010. ResultsExperiencing IPV and being a caregiver was associated with poor health outcomes on three of the four outcomes (depressive symptoms, OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.58, 2.75; stress, OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.55, 2.87; physical HRQOL β −2.39, 95% CI −3.34, −1.44; all p≤0.001, fully adjusted) compared with not experiencing IPV or caregiving. On these outcomes, IPV and caregiving combined had a stronger association than IPV or caregiving separately. For mental HRQOL, a weaker association was found (OR 1.41 95% CI 1.02, 1.95, fully adjusted, p=0.04). ConclusionsThis paper provides evidence for the cumulative health impact of stressful life events, both those that are perpetrated against an individual (violence) and those undertaken with a degree of personal agency (caregiving). The findings underscore the need to understand the drivers of poor health, for clinicians to ask about life circumstances of patients experiencing poor health, and for the provision of referral pathways for complex cases.

夏季におけるLactococcus lactis H61含有ヨーグルトの摂取が中高年女性の肌及び体調に及ぼす影響

夏季におけるLactococcus lactis H61含有ヨーグルトの摂取が中高年女性の肌及び体調に及ぼす影響

A yoga & exercise randomized controlled trial for vasomotor symptoms: Effects on heart rate variability

ObjectivesHeart rate variability (HRV) reflects the integration of the parasympathetic nervous system with the rest of the body. Studies on the effects of yoga and exercise on HRV have been mixed but suggest that exercise increases HRV. We conducted a secondary analysis of the effect of yoga and exercise on HRV based on a randomized clinical trial of treatments for vasomotor symptoms in peri/post-menopausal women. DesignRandomized clinical trial of behavioral interventions in women with vasomotor symptoms (n=335), 40–62 years old from three clinical study sites. Interventions12-weeks of a yoga program, designed specifically for mid-life women, or a supervised aerobic exercise-training program with specific intensity and energy expenditure goals, compared to a usual activity group. Main outcome measuresTime and frequency domain HRV measured at baseline and at 12 weeks for 15min using Holter monitors. ResultsWomen had a median of 7.6 vasomotor symptoms per 24h. Time and frequency domain HRV measures did not change significantly in either of the intervention groups compared to the change in the usual activity group. HRV results did not differ when the analyses were restricted to post-menopausal women. ConclusionsAlthough yoga and exercise have been shown to increase parasympathetic-mediated HRV in other populations, neither intervention increased HRV in middle-aged women with vasomotor symptoms. Mixed results in previous research may be due to sample differences. Yoga and exercise likely improve short-term health in middle-aged women through mechanisms other than HRV.