Performance In Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

Choline kinase alpha genotype is related to hippocampal brain volume and cognition in postmenopausal women

This study examined how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to choline synthesis and metabolism, processes largely regulated by estrogen, influenced hippocampal volume and neuropsychological function following menopause. We investigated the effect of choline kinase alpha (CHKA) genotype on brain volume and neuropsychological performance in postmenopausal women. The effect alleles of certain CHKA SNPs (rs6591331 T, rs10791957 A) are associated with varied responses to choline deficiency and delegation of choline to physiological pathways. The presence of these alleles was hypothesized to correlate with worse cognitive performance in women after menopause. Results from structural MRI scans revealed larger right hippocampal volumes in subjects with a T/T CHKA rs6591331 genotype compared to A/A subjects. Delayed memory scores from the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) were lower in subjects with T/T genotypes compared to those with the A/T genotype and the A/A genotype. Based on these findings, we proposed a CHKA-dependent mechanism present within the brain to compensate for the decreased estrogen and biosynthesized choline associated with menopause.

The relationship between depressive symptoms and physical performance in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional investigation.

The relationship between depressive symptoms and declining physical performance in postmenopausal women has been extensively examined. However, various confounding factors can influence this association. This study aimed to investigate the link between depressive symptoms and physical performance in postmenopausal women while considering potential interfering factors. In this cross-sectional study, 137 postmenopausal women were categorized into two groups based on the presence of depressive symptoms (n = 58; mean ± SD age, 60.12 ± 8.45 y) and absence of depressive symptoms (n = 79; mean ± SD age, 60.72 ± 7.45) using the Geriatric Depression Scale (short version) (GDS-15). Thoracic kyphosis angle was measured using the flexicurve method. Physical performance was assessed through various tests, including Timed Up and Go, Five Times Stand and Sit Test, 6-minute Walking Speed, 10-meter Usual Walking Speed, 10-meter Fast Walking Speed, and dynamometry. The study compared variables between the two groups and used linear regression models adjusted for dynamometry, kyphosis angle, age, antidepressant usage, sitting time, and fall history to evaluate the relationship between GDS-15 scores and physical performance. Significant differences were observed in physical performance, body mass index, kyphosis angle, antidepressant usage, sitting time, and fall history between women with and without depressive symptoms. The GDS-15 showed a negative association with all walking speed tests (10-meter Usual Walking Speed, m/s; P < 0.001; B = -0.01; 10-meter Fast Walking Speed, m/s; P < 0.001; B = -0.02; 6-minute Walking Speed, m/s; P < 0.004; B = -0.01) and a positive association with the Five Times Stand and Sit Test ( P < 0.002; B = 0.21) and Timed Up and Go ( P < 0.001; B = 0.13) tests, regardless of grip strength, kyphosis angle, age, antidepressant use, sitting time, or fall history in postmenopausal women. This study underscores the independent and substantial impact of depressive symptoms on the physical performance of postmenopausal women. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing both mental health and physical well-being when providing care and support for this demographic.

Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone therapy on cognitive performance among postmenopausal women: a systematic review of randomized clinical trial data.

Whether dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation improves cognitive performance in older women is uncertain. Nonetheless, DHEA supplements are readily available over the counter in several countries and are potentially being used to prevent cognitive decline and dementia. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effect of exogenous DHEA on cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science Core Collection, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for studies of postmenopausal women until November 30, 2022. Eligible studies were required to be randomized clinical trials, be at least single blind, have a placebo or comparator arm and published in English. Risk of bias of the included studies was assessed by the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Of the 15 articles retrieved for full-text review, four met the inclusion criteria. In all studies DHEA was administered as a 50-mg oral daily dose and all were double blind with an identical placebo. Three were placebo-controlled, crossover studies and one was a parallel-group clinical trial. The only positive outcome was limited to a 4-wk cross-over study in which DHEA statistically significantly enhanced five of six tests of visual-spatial performance compared with placebo in 24 cognitively normal postmenopausal women. Improvement in cognitive performance with DHEA treatment over placebo group was not seen in any other study. Heterogeneity of design and use of multiple measures of cognitive performance was a barrier to meta-analysis and between study comparisons. The studies were limited by high risk of bias in multiple domains. Overall, this systematic review does not support a beneficial effect of DHEA therapy on cognitive performance in postmenopausal women.

Menopause age, reproductive span and hormone therapy duration predict the volume of medial temporal lobe brain structures in postmenopausal women

Medial temporal lobe (MTL) atrophy is correlated with risk and severity of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology and cognitive decline. Increasing evidence suggest that oestrogens affect the aging of MTL structures. Here we investigate the relationship between reproductive hormone exposure, polygenic scores for AD risk and oestradiol concentration, MTL anatomy and cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. To this end, we used data from 10,924 female participants in the UK Biobank from whom brain MRI and genetic data were available. We fitted linear regression models to test whether the volume of structures comprising the MTL were predicted by a) timing related to menopause, b) the use and timing of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and c) polygenic scores for AD risk and oestradiol concentration. Results showed that longer use of HRT was associated with larger parahippocampal volumes (2.53 mm3/year, p = 0.042). A later age of natural menopause, and a longer reproductive span, was associated with larger hippocampal (6.08 and 5.72 mm3/year, p = 0.0006 and 0.0005), parahippocampal (4.17 mm3 and 4.19 mm3/year, p = 0.00006 and 0.00001), amygdala (2.10 and 2.22 mm3/year, p = 0.028 and 0.01) and perirhinal cortical (2.56 and 2.95 mm3/year, p = 0.028 and 0.008) volumes. Superior prospective memory performance was associated with later age at natural menopause, and a longer reproductive span (ß = 0.05 and 0.05 respectively, p = 0.019 and 0.019). Polygenic scores for AD risk and for oestradiol concentration were not associated with MTL volume and did not interact with menopause-related factors to affect MTL structure. Our results suggest that HRT use did not have any detrimental effects on cognition or brain structure, whilst greater exposure to reproductive hormones across time is associated both with slightly larger volumes of specific MTL structures and marginally superior memory performance, independent of genetic risk for AD and genetic predisposition for higher oestradiol levels. However, the clinical utility of maintenance of oestrogens post-menopause for brain health and protection against cognitive decline is curtailed by the small effect sizes observed.

The Effects of Nordic Walking with Poles with an Integrated Resistance Shock Absorber on Red Blood Cell Distribution and Cardiorespiratory Efficiency in Postmenopausal Women—A Randomized Controlled Trial

Age-related reduction in exercise capacity is manifested by a rapid development of fatigue. Research confirmed the adverse prognostic value of red blood cell distribution width (RDW-CV), an independent factor in heart failure, coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction. Physical exercise improves and helps to maintain cardiorespiratory fitness. The aim of our study was to examine the impact of 8 weeks' Nordic walking training with classic poles (NW) and NW training with poles with an integrated resistance shock absorber (NW with RSA) on RDW-CV levels and to assess correlations between RDW-CV levels and cardiorespiratory performance in postmenopausal women. In this study, 32 postmenopausal women (NW-16, NW with RSA-16) participated in eight weeks of walking training. The mean age of women was 66.56 ± 4.23 year. and BMI 26.99 ± 3.86 kg/m2. At the beginning and at the end of the study, spirometry and exercise tests were performed. Haematological parameters were determined in the venous blood. Statistical analysis of differences in post-training changes in the parameters between the groups studied showed a significant difference in change in body weight (∆body weight) (p < 0.05; ES: 0.778), BMI (∆BMI) (p < 0.05; ES: 0.778), waist circumference (∆WC) (p < 0.05; ES: 1.225) and (∆RDW-SD) (p < 0.05; ES: 1.215). There were no changes in electrocardiographic and spirometric parameters. Based on the findings from the present study, it can be assumed that endurance and resistance exercise can significantly reduce disease severity and mortality. A clinical analysis of RDW levels, together with other cardiological and biochemical parameters, can provide practical prognostic information relating to cardiovascular disease, mortality risk and treatment outcomes.

Effectiveness of Physiotherapeutic Group Education in Improving Quality of Life, Physical Performance and Back Extensor Muscle Strength among Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis

Introduction: Menopause associated symptoms may interrupt daily activities and wellbeing among postmenopausal women. Decline in muscle strength and bone mineral density may lead to bone fragility, increase osteoporotic fracture risk, decrease functional performance and quality of life (QOL) among postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 8-weeks physiotherapeutic education (an education session and home-based exercise) on back extensor muscle (BEM) strength, physical performance, balance and QOL in postmenopausal women. Methods: A single blinded, two-arm pilot randomize clinical trial consisting of 30 postmenopausal women with mean age of 68.90 (SD = 8.44) years were randomly assigned to the experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) groups. Experimental group received a group education and performed 8-weeks of home-based exercises. Participants in experimental group recorded exercises performed in their exercise diaries and a physiotherapist monitored their progress through phone calls every two weeks. Control group maintained their daily routine. Assessments were performed at baseline and after eight weeks of intervention for quality of life (QOL), physical performance, BEM strength, handgrip muscle strength and balance using Euro-EQ5D Questionnaire, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test, prone trunk extension test with a load cell, hand-held dynamometer and Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale, respectively. Results: The adherence of exercise in experimental group was 86.67%. Mixed model ANOVA analysis showed that there was an interaction effect for BEM strength (p &lt; 0.01). Specifically, the self-perceived health status (EQVAS), EQ5D health Utility index, SPPB and ABC scale had more improvements from pre to post test (all p &lt; 0.05) among experimental compared to control group. Conclusion: Physiotherapeutic education (a group education combined with 8-weeks of therapeutic home-based exercises) provides an effective means to improve BEM strength and physical performance in postmenopausal women.

Pro-inflammatory diet index is negatively associated with physical performance in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

Pro-inflammatory diet index is negatively associated with physical performance in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study

Investigating the level of knowledge and performance of postmenopausal women about breast self-examination in Khorramabad in 2019

Background: Due to usually late diagnoses, breast cancer is accompanied by a high mortality rate. Breast self-examination increases the success of treatment and survival rates. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and practice of postmenopausal women residing in Khorramabad, Iran, about breast self-examination. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive-analytical study was performed on 333 postmenopausal women referring to health centers in Khorramabad in 2019. The participants were selected using cluster sampling. The required data were collected using a questionnaire containing items on demographic characteristics as well as variables of knowledge and practice of breast self-examination. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software version 22 using the Spearman correlation coefficient, the Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 55.13±8.13. It was found that 55% of women had moderate knowledge and 43.8% had a moderate performance. The most common source of information was through health center staff (52.9%). Knowledge and performance showed a direct and significant correlation with breast self-examination (r=0.530, P&lt;0.001). There was a statistically significant relationship between knowledge and performance on the one hand, and visiting a doctor and having a history of attending classes on the other (P&lt;0.05). There was also a statistically significant relationship between performance and marital status (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Due to the significant relationship between knowledge and performance variables and behaviors such as attending classes and visiting doctors, it is recommended to design educational programs to encourage postmenopausal women to perform breast self-examination.

Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index and Physiological Performance in Post-Menopausal Women with Total Thyroidectomy

Sarcopenia is prevalent in postmenopausal women but is inconclusive in total thyroidectomy and under levothyroxine replacement. We aim to analyze the determinants of sarcopenia and investigate the early detection of sarcopenia in this group. Fifty postmenopausal women with total thyroidectomy were measured for body composition via Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) and Appendicular Skeletal Muscle mass divided by the height square (ASM/ht2). Handgrip strength and gait speed and Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) were calculated. Eight determinants associated with sarcopenia include GNRI (β, 0.042; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.021 to 0.064), femoral neck BMD (β, 0.989; 95% CI, 0.049 to 1.929), TSH (β, 0.192; 95% CI, 0.027 to 0.357), and thyroglobulin Ab (0.657; 95% CI, 0.210 to 1.103) for ASM/height2; menopausal years (β, −3.112; 95% CI, −5.661 to −0.563) and ASM/height2 (β, 2.669; 95% CI, 1.073 to 4.265) for handgrip strength; and GNRI (β, 0.062; 95% CI, 0.019 to 0.105), T3 (β, −3.541; 95% CI, −7.019 to −0.063), and age (β, 0.043; 95% CI, 0.003 to 0.084) for gait speed. Our study confirmed a high prevalence of low skeletal muscle mass index in postmenopausal women with total thyroidectomy and revealed a number of determinants that could help early diagnosis and management this disease in daily clinical practice.

Effect of whole-body resistance training at different load intensities on circulating inflammatory biomarkers, body fat, muscular strength, and physical performance in postmenopausal women.

The primary purpose of this study was to identify the impact of whole-body resistance training (RT) at different load intensities on adipokines, adhesion molecules, and extracellular heat shock proteins in postmenopausal women. As secondary purpose, we analyzed the impact of RT at different load intensities on body fat, muscular strength, and physical performance. Forty participants were randomized into lower-load intensity RT (LIRT, n = 20, 30-35 repetition maximum in the first set of each exercise) or higher-load intensity RT (HIRT, n = 20, 8-12 repetition maximum in the first set of each exercise). Adipokines (adiponectin and leptin), adhesion molecules (MCP-1 and ICAM-1), extracellular heat shock proteins (HO-1 and eHSP60), body fat, muscular strength (1RM), and physical performance [400-meter walking test (400-M) and 6-minute walking test (6MWT)] were analyzed at baseline and after 12-weeks RT. There was a significant time-by-group interaction for eHSP60 (P = 0.049) and 400-M (P = 0.003), indicating superiority of HIRT (d = 0.47 and 0.55). However, both groups similarly improved adiponectin, ICAM-1, HO-1, body fat, 1RM, and 6MWT (P < 0.05). Our study suggests that load intensity does not seem to determine the RT effect on several obesity-related pro-inflammatory and chemotactic compounds, body fat, 1RM, and 6MWT in postmenopausal women, although a greater improvement has been revealed for eHSP60 and 400-M in HIRT. Novelty: Higher-load intensity resistance training improves eHSP60 and 400-M in postmenopausal women. Resistance training improves the inflammatory profile, body fat, muscle strength, and 6MWT, regardless of load intensity.

Protein intake in community-dwelling postmenopausal women and its relationship with sarcopenia

Objectives: the general aging of the population is related to the increase in the prevalence of sarcopenic disease; especially among older women, this pathology is closely related to nutrition and specifically to protein consumption in older adults. The aim of our study was to evaluate the possible relationship between a low protein intake and a higher prevalence of sarcopenic disease, a worse dietary pattern, and lower physical performance in postmenopausal women living in the community. Material and methods: the study was carried out in a total of 164 independent women over 65 years of age, recruited from a municipal social center in Valencia (Benimaclet). The presence of sarcopenic pathology was evaluated using the latest algorithm published by EWGSOP2, and the intake of nutrients through a three-day dietary record. Physical performance was evaluated through the iPaq-e questionnaire, as well as the SPPB test and the 4-meter gait speed test. Results: the total sample comprised 164 women with a mean age of ± 72 years; 26.2 % of the sample had a protein intake lower than recommended by the FAO/WHO; 25.6 % of the women presented some stage of sarcopenia; regarding the prevalence of sarcopenic obesity, 12.2 % of the sample was affected by this disease. Significant relationships were found between protein consumption and the prevalence of sarcopenia (p = 0.021) and sarcopenic obesity (p = 0.043). Significant related differences were found between the majority of macronutrients and micronutrients under study and protein consumption. No relationship was found between protein intake and physical performance. Conclusions: protein consumption in most of the women studied (73.8 %) was higher than the daily recommendations established by the FAO/WHO. There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity, and low protein intake. Higher protein intake was associated with a higher energy intake pattern. No relationship was found between protein intake and physical performance of the participants.

Effects of cocoa-rich chocolate on cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. A randomised clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objectives The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of adding 10 g of cocoa-rich chocolate (99%) to the habitual diet on cognitive performance in postmenopausal women. Methods Following a randomised controlled parallel clinical trial, a total of 140 postmenopausal women aged 50–64 were recruited. The intervention group (n = 73) consumed daily 10 g of chocolate (99% cocoa) in addition to their usual food intake for 6 months, whereas the control group (n = 67) did not receive any intervention. Attention and executive functions, verbal memory, working memory, phonological fluency, category fluency and clinical variables were assessed at baseline and 6 months. Results Trail Making Test B execution time showed a decreased of −12.08 s (95% CI: −23.99, −0.18; p = 0.047) in the intervention group compared to the control group, after adjusting for age, educational level, time elapsed from the beginning of menopause and daily energy consumption (Cohen’s d = −0.343). Attention, immediate or delayed verbal memory, phonological or category fluency, and working memory remained unchanged. Conclusions The consumption of cocoa-rich (99%) chocolate in addition to the habitual diet could be related to a slight improvement in cognitive performance regarding cognitive flexibility and processing speed in postmenopausal women, with no changes in the rest of the cognitive performance variables evaluated.Trial registration: This clinical trial has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03492983.

Effects of Resistance Training at Different Loads on Inflammatory Biomarkers, Muscle Mass, Muscular Strength, and Physical Performance in Postmenopausal Women.

Carneiro, MAS, de Oliveira Júnior, GN, de Sousa, JFR, Murta, EFC, Orsatti, CL, Michelin, MA, Cyrino, ES, and Orsatti, FL. Effects of resistance training at different loads on inflammatory biomarkers, muscle mass, muscular strength, and physical performance in postmenopausal women. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1582-1590, 2022-It has been suggested that the effect of resistance training (RT) on circulating proinflammatory biomarkers may be dependent on muscle mass gain. A few recent studies have suggested that lower-load RT (LLRT; loads <50% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM] and repetition performed until, or close to, voluntary concentric failure) may be superior to higher-load RT (HLRT; loads >70% of 1RM) in increasing muscle mass. Hence, this study aimed to test whether LLRT is superior to HLRT for increasing muscle mass (total fat-free mass [TFFM] and leg fat-free mass [LFFM]) and improving circulating inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin [IL]-6, IL1-ra, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and extracellular heat shock protein [eHSP]70) in postmenopausal women (PW) (primary outcome). The secondary outcome was to compare the changes in muscular strength and physical performance (4-meter walking test [4-M], timed-up-and-go [TUG] test, and sit-to-stand [STS] test) between the LLRT and HLRT. The PW were randomized into 2 groups: LLRT (n = 14; loads necessary to perform 30-35 repetitions) and HLRT (n = 15; loads necessary to perform 8-12 repetitions). The greater magnitude of increase in LFFM (p = 0.033) was observed in LLRT when compared with HLRT. Moreover, there was a trend for a greater increase in TFFM in LLRT over HLRT (p = 0.070). However, there were similar improvements in TNF-α and muscular strength (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between the RT schemes on IL-6, IL-1ra, and eHSP70 levels. Thus, although performing LLRT until, or close to, voluntary concentric failure seems to provide a greater stimulus for an increase in muscle mass than HLRT, it does not seem to affect the responses in circulating inflammatory biomarkers, muscular strength, and physical performance in PW.

Effects of Freeze-Dried Whole Grapes on Cognitive Performance in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract Objectives Neuropsychological and emotional symptoms associated with menopause are a major concern of women. The present study explored whether daily consumption of freeze-dried whole grape powder (GP) would improve cognitive abilities, and emotional symptoms. Methods In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 40 postmenopausal women (1 to 5 years past menopause), not on hormone therapy, were randomly assigned to consume either 46 g of GP or grape placebo powder for 12 weeks. Subjective memory, objective cognitive performance, and depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed at baseline and after the 12-week GP supplementation. A mixed-effects model (PROC MIXED) was used to examine the effects of time, group, and the interaction between time and group. P &amp;lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Thirty-two women successfully completed the study. There was a significant time x group interaction effect observed for movement time (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and reaction time (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and a borderline significant time x group interaction effect observed for spatial working memory total error (P = 0.07). In addition, a significant time effect was found for memory strategy (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and a borderline significant time effect observed for rapid visual processing A′ (P = 0.09), but without significant impacts of time and time x group interaction. Neither GP nor placebo powder significantly influenced the performance of digit span, paired associates learning task, subjective memory ability, or contentment with memory. There were no remarkable effects on depression and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that the 12-week supplementation of GP enhanced movement time and reaction time performance by 5% and 8%, respectively in comparison with the placebo. Larger follow-up studies are needed to ensure the validity of these findings. Funding Sources This research was funded by the California Table Grape Commission. Funders had no role in the study design, data collection, data analysis or interpretation, or writing of the abstract.

Aortic Hemodynamics and Cognitive Performance in Postmenopausal Women: Impact of Pregnancy History.

BACKGROUNDStudies demonstrate an association between aortic hemodynamics and cognitive function. The impact of pregnancy history on this association is unknown.METHODSPostmenopausal women (age 59 ± 5 years; years since last pregnancy 35 ± 3) with either a history of preeclampsia (PE; n = 34) or a history of a normotensive pregnancy (NP; n = 30) underwent cognitive testing: Letter-Number Sequencing, Digit Span, Trail Making Test, and letter and category fluency. Applanation tonometry was used to derive aortic systolic and diastolic blood pressure and augmentation index.RESULTSDistribution of cognitive scores and aortic hemodynamic measures was similar between the PE and NP groups. Principal component (PC) analysis was used to reduce the 3 aortic hemodynamic measures and the 5 cognitive variables to single summary indices, each representing a weighted average of their respective constituent variables. Using a multivariable linear model based on these PCs that adjusted for pregnancy history and body mass index, the composite index of aortic hemodynamics was associated with the summary cognitive index, whether taking into account a potential interaction with pregnancy history (P = 0.035) or not (P = 0.026) (interaction P = 0.178). Multivariable modeling of individual cognitive tests revealed a differential association for letter fluency by pregnancy history (test for interaction P = 0.023); this score correlated with the aortic hemodynamic index in the PE (partial R2 = 0.20), but not the NP (partial R2 = 0.00) group.CONCLUSIONSElevated aortic hemodynamics may negatively impact cognitive function in postmenopausal women with specific executive functions, such as letter fluency, being impacted more by a pregnancy history of PE.

Effect of Equal Volume, High-Repetition Resistance Training to Volitional Fatigue, With Different Workout Frequencies, on Muscle Mass and Neuromuscular Performance in Postmenopausal Women.

Grzyb, K, Candow, DG, Schoenfeld, BJ, Bernat, P, Butchart, S, and Neary, JP. Effect of equal volume, high-repetition resistance training to volitional fatigue, with different workout frequencies, on muscle mass and neuromuscular performance in postmenopausal women. J Strength Cond Res 36(1): 31-36, 2022-This study examined the effects of equal volume, high-repetition resistance training (HRRT) performed to volitional fatigue, with different workout frequencies, on muscle mass and neuromuscular performance (strength, endurance) in untrained postmenopausal women. Subjects were randomized to perform HRRT 2 d·wk-1 (HRRT-2; 3 sets of 20-30 repetitions/set for elbow and knee flexion and extension) or 3 d·wk-1 (HRRT-3; 2 sets of 20-30 repetitions/set per exercise) for 8 weeks. Baseline and post-training assessments were made for muscle thickness, strength (1 repetition maximum [1RM]) and endurance (number of repetitions performed at 50% baseline 1RM) for elbow and knee flexor and extensor muscle groups. Significance was set at p < 0.05. There was a significant increase over time for all measures of muscle thickness, strength, and endurance (p < 0.005), with no differences between groups. Untrained postmenopausal women can expect to achieve similar improvements in muscle size, strength, and endurance when training 2 or 3 days per week, provided total weekly training volume is equal.

Impact of low-intensity resistance and whole-body vibration training on aortic hemodynamics and vascular function in postmenopausal women.

To examine the effects of low-intensity resistance exercise training (LIRET) and whole-body vibration training (WBVT) with an external weighted vest on arterial stiffness, wave reflection, brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and physical performance in postmenopausal women. Thirty-three postmenopausal women were stratified by age, body mass index (BMI), and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) (age, 65 ± 4 years; BMI, 23.3 ± 2.6 kg/m2; MVC, 17.4 ± 2.6 kg) and randomized into LIRET, WBVT, or a nonexercising control group for 12 weeks. Arterial stiffness, augmentation index (AIx), augmented pressure (AP), brachial FMD, gait speed and leg strength were measured at baseline and 12 weeks. WBVT induced improvements in pulse pressure amplification (PPA) (0.04 ± 0.02) compared to control (P = 0.048) and in wave reflection indices [AIx (-4.3 ± 1.4%) and AP (-2.9 ± 1.3 mmHg)] compared to LIRET (P = 0.039 and 0.048, respectively). WBVT (3.8 ± 1.4%) and LIRET (5.0 ± 1.5%) induced similar improvements in FMD compared to control (P = 0.029 and 0.008, respectively). WBVT and LIRET elicited similar increases in leg strength (P = 0.001 and 0.019, respectively), compared to no improvement in the control group. LIRET significantly increased gait speed compared to WBVT (P = 0.043). Although both WBVT and LIRET increased brachial artery FMD (systemic effect), WBVT seemed to be more efficacious in improving wave reflection and cardiac pulsatile load. Interestingly, LIRET elicited a significant improvement in gait speed. Both modalities seem effective in improving systemic endothelial function and muscle strength in postmenopausal women.

Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm versus Risk Malignancy Index-I for Preoperative Assessment of Adnexal Masses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) and risk of malignancy index (RMI) for detecting ovarian cancer. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA statement. A search for studies evaluating the diagnostic performance of ROMA and RMI-I indices for detecting ovarian malignancy from January 2010 to October 2018 was performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science databases. The quality of the studies was evaluated by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2. Results: Sixty-six citations were identified. After exclusions, 8 papers comprising 2,662 women (1,319 premenopausal and 1,343 postmenopausal) were ultimately included. The mean prevalence of ovarian malignancy was 29.0% in premenopausal women and 51.0% in postmenopausal women. High risk of bias for patient selection was observed for most studies. ROMA and RMI-I had a similar diagnostic performance in postmenopausal women (pooled sensitivity [87 vs. 77%] and specificity [75 vs. 85%], respectively. p = 0.29). In premenopausal women, RMI-I showed better specificity than ROMA (89 vs. 78%, p = 0.022) with similar sensitivity (73 vs. 80%, p= 0.27). Significant heterogeneity was found for sensitivity and specificity in comparisons of both groups. Conclusions: ROMA and RMI-I have similar diagnostic performance for detecting ovarian cancer in women presenting with an adnexal mass. However, RMI-I showed a higher specificity than ROMA in premenopausal women. Notwithstanding, as the risk of bias is high in most studies, our results should be interpreted with caution.

Effects of photobiomodulation on muscle strength in post-menopausal women submitted to a resistance training program.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of resistance training of low volume and high intensity with or without photobiomodulation (PBM) on muscle strength and functional performance in post-menopausal women. Thirty-four post-menopausal women were randomized into resistance training (RTG, n = 17) or resistance training plus PBM (PBMG, n = 17). Individuals from both groups received the same RT protocol consisting of leg-press 45°, front lat pulldown, leg curl, chest press, and squat performed in two sets of 10 repetitions with a workload of 75% of one repetition maximum (1RM), twice per week, during 8weeks. PBMG individuals also received, prior to the exercise session, PBM through a cluster containing 7 visible diodes (630nm) and 7 infrared diodes (850nm) with power of 100mW each and energy of 4J per diode, applied to the quadriceps femoris muscle; individuals from RTG received placebo PBM prior to the sessions, applied with the same device switched off. Muscle strength (1RM; isometric dynamometer), functional performance (Time Up and Go; Berg Balance Scale; 6-min walk test), and quality of life (World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref) were performed before and after 8weeks. Both groups increased muscle strength (p < 0.001) for all exercises, without group differences (p = 0.651). Quality of life (p = 0.015) and balance (p = 0.006) increased only in the RTG. The results suggest that PBM were not able for inducing additional benefits to RT to improve muscle strength in post-menopausal women.

The Performance of Postmenopausal Women in the Prevention of Osteoporosis Based on Health Belief Model

The Performance of Postmenopausal Women in the Prevention of Osteoporosis Based on Health Belief Model