Sedentary Postmenopausal Women Research Articles

The effect of pre- and probiotic supplementation on inflammatory markers in postmenopausal women

Chronic inflammation is linked with several deleterious diseases, including cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes mellitus, irritable bowel disease, and osteoporosis (1,2). Post-menopausal women are at a heightened risk of developing these diseases due to the remission of oestrogen, further amplifying a pro-inflammatory state (3,4). This study aimed to critically examine the combined effect of pre- and probiotic supplementation (synbiotics) and exercise in the form of ≥7,000 steps per day on inflammatory markers hs- CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, INF-γ and TNF- α in sedentary post-menopausal women. Eighty-seven healthy post-menopausal women were allocated to receive either a synbiotic supplement or placebo for 12 weeks. Participants’ demographics and physical activity levels were determined using questionnaires, and their diet was assessed using self-reported 3-day diet records. Body composition measures of height, weight and BMI were measured at baseline, while total body mass, lean body mass, total fat mass and total body fat percentage at baseline and week 12 using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Fasted venous blood samples were collected to analyse inflammatory status before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 24, where outcome variables with multiple time points, were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA with the model, including time (baseline vs 12 weeks), intervention group (placebo vs synbiotic), and their interaction as fixed effects. The results showed no significant differences between the intervention group’s demographics, physical activity levels, and dietary intake (p > 0.05). The 12-week study duration (time) was found to have had a statistically significant effect on lowering hs-CRP (p <0.018), IL-8 (p <0.001), IFN-γ (p <0.001), TNF-α (p <0.001) and increasing IL-6 (p <0.001) and IL-10 (p <0.001) in both groups. However, the observed decrease in IL-1β (p <0.348) over time was not significant. The intervention type (synbiotic or placebo) significantly impacted IL-10 (p < 0.003). No significant interactions between time and group were observed across all other inflammatory markers (p > 0.05). The study duration increased total lean body mass (p <0.015) and decreased total body fat percentage (p <0.022) in both the placebo and synbiotic groups. At the same time, the intervention type (synbiotic or placebo) had no effect on total lean body mass, total fat mass, total body mass and percentage body fat in both groups (p > 0.05). The current study showed no notable differences between the placebo and synbiotic groups suggesting synbiotic supplementation is likely ineffective at reducing chronic inflammation in overweight, sedentary post-menopausal women living in New Zealand. However, future studies are needed to confirm these findings. Additionally, studies should investigate the effects of exercise and synbiotic supplementation separately in this population.

Prospective effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on irisin levels in sedentary postmenopausal women: A pilot study

IntroductionIn postmenopausal women, vitamin D deficiency has been associated with disability, low muscle mass and fractures. Irisin is an important myokine that may contribute to the maintenance of muscle and bone density. Vitamin D is associated with the growth and function of muscle tissue through interactions between the vitamin D receptor and PGC-1α and activation of p38/MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) in muscle, a mechanism similar to irisin action. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effects of cholecalciferol supplementation on serum irisin levels in sedentary postmenopausal women with hypovitaminosis D (25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL). Material and methods80 sedentary postmenopausal women with hypovitaminosis D and low sun exposure were supplemented with cholecalciferol (30,000 IU/month) for 12 months. Calcium, parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase (AP) and irisin levels were measured before and after supplementation. Results25(OH) vitamin D increased in all participants. Serum levels of irisin increased (from 0.52 ± 0.27 to 0.80 ± 0.53; p < 0.003), accompanied by a decrease in AP (from 80 ± 24 to 66 ± 23; p < 0.001). ConclusionsRestoration of vitamin D status increased serum irisin levels in sedentary postmenopausal women. Whether increased serum irisin levels may have an impact on clinical outcomes deserves further evaluation.

Aerobic exercise training reduces ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction and improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in postmenopausal women.

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to vascular dysfunction in postmenopausal women (PMW). Although aerobic exercise is beneficial in reducing ET-1-mediated vasoconstrictor tone in men, it is unknown whether this favorable vascular effect occurs in women. We tested the hypothesis that aerobic exercise training reduces ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction in PMW. We further hypothesized that reductions in ET-1 vasoconstrictor tone underly exercise-induced improvements in endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in PMW. Forearm blood flow (FBF) responses to intra-arterial infusion of selective ETA receptor blockade (BQ-123, 100 nmol/min for 60 min) and acetylcholine (4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 μg/100 mL tissue/min) in the absence and presence of ETA receptor blockade were determined before and after a 12-wk aerobic exercise training intervention in 18 healthy, sedentary PMW (58 ± 4 yr). Women exercised an average of 4.9 ± 0.7 day/wk for 51 ± 7 min/day at 71 ± 3% of maximal heart rate. Before exercise, BQ-123 significantly increased FBF (∼25%) in sedentary PMW; however, this effect was abolished following the exercise intervention. FBF responses to acetylcholine were also significantly higher after exercise training (from 4.2 ± 1.2 to 14.0 ± 3.8 mL/100 mL tissue/min) versus before (from 4.1 ± 1.0 to 11.4 ± 3.3 mL/100 mL tissue/min; ∼25% increase; P < 0.05). Before exercise training, coinfusion of BQ-123 with acetylcholine enhanced (∼25%; P < 0.05) the vasodilator response (from 4.4 ± 1.1 to 13.9 ± 4.2 mL/100 mL tissue/min) compared with acetylcholine alone; after exercise training, the presence of BQ-123 did not significantly affect the vasodilator response to acetylcholine. Aerobic exercise training reduces ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction in PMW. Furthermore, decreased ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction is an important mechanism underlying aerobic exercise-induced improvement in endothelium-dependent vasodilation in PMW.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Endothelin-1 (ET-1) contributes to declines in endothelial function in postmenopausal women. To our knowledge, we show for the first time that aerobic exercise reduces ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction in previously sedentary postmenopausal women. Moreover, aerobic exercise improved endothelial-dependent dilation due in part to the reductions in ET-1-mediated vasoconstriction.

Functional and Metabolic Consequences of Sarcopenia

The capacity of older men and women to adapt to regularly performed exercise has been demonstrated by many laboratories. Aerobic exercise results in improvements in functional capacity and reduced risk of developing type II diabetes in the elderly. High intensity resistance training (above 60% of the 1 repetition maximum) causes large increases in strength in the elderly, and resistance training significant increases muscle size. Resistance training also significantly increases energy requirements and insulin action of the elderly. We recently demonstrated that resistance training has a positive effect on multiple risk factors for osteoporotic fractures in previously sedentary post-menopausal women. Because the sedentary lifestyle of individuals in a long-term care facility may exacerbate losses of muscle function, we applied this same training program to frail, institutionalized elderly men and women. In a population of 100 nursing home residents, a randomly assigned high intensity strength training program resulted in significant gains in strength and functional status. In addition, spontaneous activity, measured by activity monitors, increased significantly in those participating in the exercise program; there was no change in the sedentary control group. Before the strength training intervention, the relationship of whole-body potassium and leg strength was relatively weak (r2 = 0.29, P < 0.001), indicating that in very old persons muscle mass is an important but not the only determiner of functional status. Thus exercise may minimize or reverse the syndrome of physical frailty prevalent among very old individuals. Because of their low functional status and high incidence of chronic disease, there is no segment of the population that can benefit more from exercise training than the elderly.

Effect of exercise on cardiovascular risk in sedentary postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Exercise training has cardiovascular benefits, but its effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors in sedentary postmenopausal women are uncertain. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the effects of exercise on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in sedentary postmenopausal women. A literature search was conducted on the Web of Science, Cochrane, PubMed, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang databases for studies published between January 2010 and January 2022. All publications relating to clinical randomized control trials on the effects of exercise on CVD risk factors in sedentary postmenopausal women were collected. A meta-analysis was performed using STATA 16.0. We assessed the quality of the included literature using the Cochrane risk bias assessment tool. Of the 623 articles initially retrieved, 14 were included in the meta-analysis (250 and 223 individuals in the exercise and non-exercise groups, respectively). The meta-analysis showed that oxygen consumption [standardized mean difference (SMD) =1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38 to 2.05; P=0.004] and high-density lipoprotein (SMD =0.31; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.54; P=0.008) were significantly higher in the exercise than non-exercise group; however, diastolic blood pressure (SMD =-0.81; 95% CI -1.38 to -0.24; P=0.005), systolic blood pressure (SMD =-0.98; 95% CI: -1.44 to -0.52; P=0.000), triglycerides (SMD =-0.48, 95% CI: -0.86 to -0.09; P=0.016), and body mass index (SMD =-0.94, 95% CI: -1.70 to -0.17; P=0.016) were markedly lower in the exercise group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in heart rate (SMD =-0.11; 95% CI: -0.92 to 0.70; P=0.796), cholesterol (SMD =-0.32; 95% CI: -0.79 to 0.15; P=0.186), or low-density lipoprotein (SMD =-0.23; 95% CI: -0.70 to 0.23; P=0.321). Aerobic exercise not only increases oxygen consumption, but also reduces CVD-related factors, such as blood pressure, lipid profile, and body mass index, in sedentary menopausal women. Put simply, regular exercise is a beneficial lifestyle intervention that can reduce CVD risk.

The feasibility of a multimodal exercise program for sedentary postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence: A pilot randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThe aim was to investigate the feasibility and effects of an eight-week multimodal exercise program in sedentary postmenopausal women with urinary incontinence (UI) compared with pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) only. Study designThis was a pilot randomized controlled trial. The participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (IG), who received a multimodal exercise program that incorporated aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, and PFMT, or the control group (CG), who received PFMT only. The intervention was provided twice weekly for eight weeks. Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was feasibility in relation to consent rate, attendance, withdrawal rate, satisfaction with program, and adverse events. The secondary outcomes included pelvic floor muscle function (assessed using digital palpation and manometry), UI-specific quality of life (QoL) (rated on the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Quality of Life [ICIQ-LUTSqol]), symptom severity (assessed using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form [ICIQ-UI SF] and a bladder diary), and physical activity levels (rated on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- short form [IPAQ]). ResultsThirty-three of 63 eligible participants (52.4 %) consented to participate in the study and 26 completed it (IG n = 13, CG n = 13); the withdrawal rate was lower in the IG than in the CG (13.3 % vs 27.8 %). In both groups the attendance rate was 100 % and the satisfaction rate was 84.6 %. No adverse events were reported. The intention-to-treat analysis showed that UI-specific QoL (p = 0.011, mean difference: -5.62, 95 % CI: −9.67 to −1.57) and symptom severity measured using the ICIQ-UI SF (p = 0.001, mean difference: -3.23, 95 % CI: −4.93 to −1.54) were significantly improved in the IG after intervention, while no significant changes were found in the CG after intervention. The daytime frequency (p = 0.001) and number of leakages (p = 0.045) recorded in the bladder diary were significantly reduced in the CG after intervention. No significant differences between groups were found on any of the outcome measurements after intervention, except the daytime frequency from the bladder diary, which was significantly more reduced in the CG than in the IG (p = 0.003, mean difference: -0.28, 95 % CI: −2.25 to 1.67). ConclusionAn eight-week multimodal exercise program is feasible for sedentary postmenopausal women with UI, and the multimodal exercise program demonstrated potential benefits for improving UI-specific QoL and symptom severity in this population.The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04351750).

High-Intensity Exercise Training Improves Basal Platelet Prostacyclin Sensitivity and Potentiates the Response to Dual Anti-Platelet Therapy in Postmenopausal Women.

The risk of thrombotic events dramatically increases with age and may be accelerated in women by the cessation of endogenous estrogen production at menopause. Patients at risk of thrombosis are prescribed dual anti-platelet therapy (DAPT; aspirin and a P2Y12 antagonist) and are encouraged to participate in regular physical activity, as these modalities improve nitric oxide and prostacyclin-mediated inhibition of platelet aggregation. Methods: We assessed prostacyclin sensitivity as well as basal platelet reactivity with and without in vitro DAPT before and after an 8-week high-intensity exercise training program in 13 healthy, sedentary postmenopausal women. The training intervention consisted of three 1 h sessions per week. Isolated platelets were analyzed for thromboxane A2 receptor, thromboxane A2 synthase, cyclooxygenase-1, and prostacyclin receptor protein expression. Additionally, plasma 6-keto prostaglandin F1α and thromboxane B2 levels were determined. Results: Exercise training made platelets more sensitive to the inhibitory effects of prostacyclin on thromboxane-, collagen-, and adenosine 5′-diphosphate (ADP)-induced aggregation, as well as thrombin-receptor activator peptide 6- and ADP-induced aggregation with DAPT. However, there was no change in protein expression from isolated platelets or plasma thromboxane B2 and prostacyclin levels following training. Conclusion: Together, these findings emphasize the importance of promoting physical activity as a tool for reducing thrombotic risk in postmenopausal women and suggest that training status should be considered when prescribing DAPT in this cohort.

Ten weeks of low-volume walking training improve cardiometabolic health and body composition in sedentary postmenopausal women with obesity without affecting markers of bone metabolism

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the effects of walking exercise to induce a mild energy deficit and to improve body composition and metabolic status in postmenopausal women (PMW) with obesity as means of minimizing endocrine disruption and maintaining bone health. Twenty-four PMW with obesity (age: 55.0 ± 3.7 y, BMI: 32.9 ± 4.2 kg/m2, percent body fat: 46.2 ± 3.6%) were randomly assigned into either exercise (n = 12) or control (n = 12) groups. Exercise group participated in a-10 week supervised progressive walking programme and control group maintained regular habits. Pre- and post-training assessments included body composition, bone mass, peak oxygen uptake ( V ˙ O2peak), osteocalcin, bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), type I collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX)glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)), leptin and adiponectin. Results: Following the training program, body weight (2.6%; p < 0.001), fat mass (4.5%; p = 0.002), resting glucose (6.8%; p = 0.017), and HbA1c (3.7%; p = 0.047) decreased, while relative V ˙ O2peak (16%; p < 0.001) increased in the exercise group. Leptin, adiponectin, CTX, osteocalcin or BAP did not change in either group. In conclusion, small dose of aerobic exercise improves key markers of metabolic health in PMW with obesity without negatively affecting markers of bone metabolism.

Does combined amplitude and high-frequency vibration, accounting for age differences, offer a perspective on efficacy and dose-response in sedentary osteopenic postmenopausal women?

Does combined amplitude and high-frequency vibration, accounting for age differences, offer a perspective on efficacy and dose-response in sedentary osteopenic postmenopausal women?

Modulation of Bone Metabolism Markers Following Low-Repetition and Light-Load Power Training in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Introduction. The study aimed to survey effects of 6 weeks of low-repetition and light-load power training on serum Osteocalcin, Parathormone and Sclerostin in sedentary postmenopausal women. Material and Methods. This randomized controlled trial was carried out in healthy and sedentary postmenopausal women. We recruited 24 volunteers aged 55 to 65 years. Participants were allocated into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group performed 6-week low-repetition and light-load power training at a frequency of three sessions per week. The outcome measures included Osteocalcin, Parathormone, Sclerostin. Blood samples were drawn pre- and post-intervention while fasting. Data were analyzed using SPSS19, and multivariate ANCOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test were used. Results. After 6 weeks of low-repetition and light-load power training, Sclerostin decreased (p = 0.03), while Osteocalcin and Parathormone increased (p = 0.01) in the training group compared to the control group. Conclusions. It seems that low-repetition and light-load power training, by increasing Osteocalcin and Parathormone and reducing Sclerostin, can be effective in bone formation in postmenopausal women.

Abstract P177: Resistance Training Improves Cardiorespiratory Fitness And Maximal Fat Oxidation Similarly To Aerobic Training, But Uniquely Decreases Visceral Adipose Tissue In Previously Sedentary Postmenopausal Women

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women, and postmenopausal (PM) women are a particularly vulnerable population in terms of adverse cardiometabolic (CM) risk. Progressive aerobic exercise training (AT) is efficacious for improving CM risk factors such as cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body composition (e.g., relative body fat (BF%)), and metabolic flexibility. However, there are large clinical gaps regarding the efficacy of progressive resistance training (RT) to reduce CM risk in PM women. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that 16 weeks of RT would (a) improve CRF, (b) decrease body weight, BF%, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume, and (c) improve metabolic flexibility (as evidenced by an increase in maximal fat oxidation (MFO) during exercise) in a manner similar to AT, but greater than habitual activity control (CON). Methods: Forty-eight PM women (aged 56 ± 5 years) were randomized into RT (n=18), AT (n=16), or CON (n=14) and completed the study per protocol. Women in the RT group performed 2 - 4 sets of 9 resistance exercises using all major muscle groups on 3 d·wk -1 at 50-70% of one repetition maximum. Women in the AT group walked or biked 5 d·wk -1 at 50-65% of heart rate reserve. Women in the CON group maintained habitual physical activity levels and dietary habits. All exercise was progressive in nature. Pre- and post-intervention, participants arrived to the laboratory following a 10-h fast, and had body weight and VAT assessed using a medical-grade bioelectrical device and BF% determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. CRF (relative VO 2 in mL/kg/min), exercising whole body MFO (g/min), and the intensity at which MFO occurred (Fat max , %CRF) were determined using indirect calorimetry during a graded exercise test to volitional exhaustion on a cycle ergometer. Two-way mixed factorial ANOVAs and follow-up Holm-Sidak-corrected comparisons were used for statistical analyses. Changes are reported as mean ± SE of difference. Results: CRF and MFO increased similarly in the RT (+4.2 ± 1.0 mL/kg/min and +0.17 ± 0.05 g/min) and AT (+4.9 ± 1.0 mL/kg/min and +0.19 ± 0.05 g/min) groups (all p holm ≤ 0.001), and these changes were greater than in the CON group (+0.4 ± 1.0 ml/kg/min and -0.06 ± 0.05 g/min). There was similar improvement in Fat max among groups from pre- to post-intervention (+2.4 ± 1.7%; p = 0.01). Despite no observed changes in bodyweight ( p = 0.25), BF% decreased similarly in the RT (-1.21 ± 0.3%) and AT (-0.9 ± 0.3%) groups (all p holm ≤ 0.03), and to a greater extent than in CON (-0.49 ± 0.4%). However, only RT decreased VAT (-0.40 ± 0.14 l; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Sixteen weeks of RT was similarly efficacious to AT for improving CRF, reducing BF%, and increasing MFO in previously sedentary PM women. Interestingly, we demonstrate that RT may provide a unique benefit in reducing VAT.

Short-Term Supplementation With Fermented Red Clover Extract Reduces Vascular Inflammation in Early Post-menopausal Women.

The decline in estrogen at menopause poses a critical challenge to cardiovascular and metabolic health. Recently, a growing interest in the role of phytoestrogens, with a particular focus on isoflavones, has emerged as they can bind to estrogen receptors and may mimic the roles of endogenous estrogen. Fermented red clover extract (RC) contains isoflavones with superior bioavailability compared to non-fermented isoflavones, however little is known regarding the impact of isoflavones on cardiovascular and metabolic health. We assessed markers of vascular health in plasma and skeletal muscle samples obtained from healthy but sedentary early post-menopausal women (n = 10; 54 ± 4 years) following 2 weeks of twice daily treatment with placebo (PLA) or RC (60 mg isoflavones per day). The two interventions were administered using a randomized, double-blind, crossover design with a two-week washout period. Plasma samples were utilized for assessment of markers of vascular inflammation. There was a statistically significant reduction (~5.4%) in vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) following 2 weeks of RC supplementation compared to PLA (p = 0.03). In contrast, there was no effect of RC supplementation compared to PLA on skeletal muscle estrogen receptor content and enzymes related to vascular function, and angiogenesis. Supplementation with RC reduces vascular inflammation in early post-menopausal women and future studies should address the long-term impact of daily supplementation with RC after menopause.

The changes of some total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation markers following the combined with high intensity interval training in sedentary postmenopausal women

The changes of some total antioxidant capacity and lipid peroxidation markers following the combined with high intensity interval training in sedentary postmenopausal women

The advantages of physical exercise as a preventive strategy against NAFLD in postmenopausal women.

The prevalence and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) increase in women after menopause. This narrative review discusses the causes and consequences of NAFLD in postmenopausal women and describes how physical activity can contribute to its prevention. The authors followed the narrative review method to perform a critical and objective analysis of the current knowledge on the topic. The Medical Subject Heading keywords 'physical exercise', 'menopause', 'hormone replacement therapy', 'estradiol' and 'NAFLD' were used to establish a conceptual framework. The databases used to collect relevant references included Medline and specialized high-impact journals. Higher visceral adiposity, higher rate of lipolysis in adipose tissue after oestrogen drop and changes in the expression of housekeeping proteins involved in hepatic lipid management are observed in women after menopause, contributing to NAFLD. Excessive liver steatosis leads to hepatic insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation, accelerating NAFLD progression. Physical activity brings beneficial effects against several postmenopausal-associated complications, including NAFLD progression. Aerobic and resistance exercises partially counteract alterations induced by metabolic syndrome in sedentary postmenopausal women, impacting NAFLD progression and severity. With the increased global obesity epidemic in developing countries, NAFLD is becoming a severe problem with increased prevalence in women after menopause. Evidence shows that physical activity may delay NAFLD development and severity in postmenopausal women, although the prescription of age-appropriate physical activity programmes is advisable to assure the health benefits.

Sedentary postmenopausal women not undergoing hormone replacement therapy can have their blood pressure lowered by performing resistance training: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at examining the literature regarding the effects of resistance training (RT) on blood pressure (BP) in postmenopausal women. Methods: The Pubmed, Scopus, Embase, and BVS databases were accessed by two independent reviewers between July 2020, and June 2021 to search for studies that investigated the effects of RT on BP. The eligibility criteria were determined by the PICOT strategy. P: postmenopausal women, I: RT, in which training variables are presented, C: presence of a control group that does not receive any type of intervention, O: BP measured in both groups, at least before and after the intervention, T: randomized controlled trial. For the studies included in the meta-analysis, we calculated the effects sizes based on the net changes in the systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP for a random effect model with a confidence interval of 95% and a statistical significance of p < 0.05. Results: The RT group presented a significantly lower SBP (−7.25 mmHg [95% CI: −14.04, −0.45], p = 0.04), while DBP was not statistically significantly different compared to controlled conditions (−2.54 mmHg [95% CI: −5.52, 0.44], p = 0.09). Conclusions: Physically-inactive postmenopausal women who did not take hormone replacement but performed RT exercise had a lower BP value when compared to the control group.

Rapid Escalation of High-Volume Exercise during Caloric Restriction; Change in Visceral Adipose Tissue and Adipocytokines in Obese Sedentary Breast Cancer Survivors.

Simple SummaryAerobic exercise reduces risk for developing breast cancer or for breast cancer recurrence. In obese women exercise can significantly augment the effects of caloric restriction on visceral fat, reducing metabolic abnormalities and cancer. Women who are older, obese, and sedentary, especially those who have been treated for breast cancer, find it difficult to initiate and achieve the minimum or optimum levels of exercise. In a two-part pilot we found that by providing older, obese, sedentary breast cancer survivors 12 weeks of twice weekly personal training sessions, they could safely increase exercise to ≥200 min/week by 9 weeks during caloric restriction. At 24 weeks, high levels of exercise were still observed with continued behavioral support and study-provided exercise facility. Substantial improvement in visceral fat and breast cancer risk biomarkers were observed with this affordable intervention that is readily exportable to the community.Aerobic exercise reduces risk for breast cancer and recurrence and promotes visceral adipose tissue (VAT) loss in obesity. However, few breast cancer survivors achieve recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) without supervision. In a two-cohort study, feasibility of 12 weeks of partially supervised exercise was started concomitantly with caloric restriction and effects on body composition and systemic risk biomarkers were explored. In total, 22 obese postmenopausal sedentary women (including 18 breast cancer survivors) with median age of 60 and BMI of 37 kg/m2 were enrolled. Using personal trainers twice weekly at area YMCAs, MVPA was escalated to ≥200 min/week over 9 weeks. For cohort 2, maintenance of effect was assessed when study provided trainer services were stopped but monitoring, group counseling sessions, and access to the exercise facility were continued. Median post-escalation MVPA was 219 min/week with median 12-week mass and VAT loss of 8 and 19%. MVPA was associated with VAT loss which was associated with improved adiponectin:leptin ratio. In total, 9/11 of cohort-2 women continued the behavioral intervention for another 12 weeks without trainers. High MVPA continued with median 24-week mass and VAT loss of 12 and 29%. This intervention should be further studied in obese sedentary women.

The Effects of Habitual Aquatic Walking on Arterial Stiffness and Body Composition in Postmenopausal Women: A Cross‑Sectional Study

PURPOSE: Menopause is associated with increased carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV), an indicator of arterial stiffness, which is an independent marker of cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate the cfPWV, blood pressure, and body composition with habitual exercise for at least 1 year in postmenopausal women performing habitual aquatic walking versus age-matched sedentary postmenopausal and premenopausal women.METHODS: A total of 115 postmenopausal and premenopausal women were divided into the following groups: (1) postmenopausal women performing habitual aquatic walking (HAW; n=57), (2) sedentary postmenopausal women (SPO; n=41), and (3) sedentary premenopausal women (SPR, n=17). The HAW group participated 3 days per week, 60 minutes per day, for at least 1 year, whereas the SPO and SPR groups performed no regular exercise, for less than 2 days per week, 30 minutes per day, for at least 1 year. The cfPWV, BP, and body composition were assessed in all groups.RESULTS: The cfPWV (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05), augmentation pressure (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05), and DBP were significantly lower in the SPR group than in the SPO group. AIx@75, BMI, %BF, and SBP were significantly lower in the SPR group than in the SPO and HAW groups. Lean body mass was higher in the SPR group than in the SPO and HAW groups (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). The cfPWV, AP, AIx@75, SBP, and %BF were lower in the HAW group than in the SPO group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;.05). Furthermore, the cfPWV was significantly correlated with aging and SBP.CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional study indicates that sedentary postmenopausal women may be at a higher risk of cardiovascular disease than postmenopausal women who participate in habitual aquatic walking.

The Efficacy of a Group-Based Exercise Program for Postmenopausal Women: A Preliminary Study

Background: Exercise has many physiological and psychosocial benefits for postmenopausal women. Previous research has shown that sedentary postmenopausal women of North Queensland perceive a number of barriers to exercise; however, when they are given the right opportunity, they perceive it as a positive experience. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether an 8-week aerobic and resistance group-based exercise intervention had an effect on the physiological and psychosocial health of postmenopausal women living in North Queensland. A secondary aim was to explore the participatory experiences of women. Methods: A total of thirty-three postmenopausal women volunteered for the intervention, which consisted of group-based circuit style sessions three times per week, incorporating aerobic and resistance exercises. Primary outcome measures included blood pressure, blood lipids, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio, cardiorespiratory fitness, peripheral bone density, and strength. Secondary measures included exercise self-efficacy and menopausal quality of life using the Menopause- Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Focus groups were conducted post-intervention to discuss participants’ exercise experiences. Results: A total of twenty-six women completed the eight-week program. Significant increases were found in cardiorespiratory fitness (p=0.00), upper body strength (p=0.00), lower body strength (p=0.00), exercise self-efficacy (p=0.00), and the MENQOL psychosocial (p=0.01), physical (p=0.00) and sexual (p=0.01) domains. Waist girth (p=0.01) and triglycerides (p=0.02) were significantly decreased. Participants also reported that they had more motivation and confidence, increased strength, and improved functional activities, and also experienced the disappearance of pain and positive feelings from the intervention. Participants mostly enjoyed the social effect, the lack of feeling self-conscious, the friendly competitiveness, and the facilitator. Conclusion: An 8-week group-based exercise intervention can improve the physiological and psychosocial health of postmenopausal women. Sedentary postmenopausal women can have a positive exercise experience, which may increase the likelihood of future exercise participation.

Effect of a Training Program on Hepatic Fat Content and Cardiometabolic Risk in Postmenopausal Women: The Randomized Controlled Trial

This 10-week randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of two different training modalities on hepatic fat content and cardiometabolic risk in sedentary postmenopausal women. Besides, alterations in physical fitness, hepatic fat content, and cardiometabolic risk will be associated with changes in those blood parameters that are usually modifiable by exercise training. Postmenopausal women (N = 32; ~61 years) were randomly assigned to one of the following treatment groups; (1) based on international exercise recommendations (EX group; n = 16), (2) exercise plus whole-body electromyostimulation (EX+EMS group; n = 16). Cardiometabolic risk score was calculated based on the international diabetes federation’s clinical criteria. Hepatic fat content was estimated using the fatty liver index. After the intervention, the cardiometabolic risk and the fatty liver index decreased, showing a higher impact on EX + WB-EMS. Physical fitness was assessed through aerobic and strength tests belonging to “Eurofit Testing Battery”. In all of them, significant differences were observed (p &lt; 0.001), though EX+ EMS experienced better improvements (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, a 10-week exercise training program, especially with WB-EMS, triggered improvements in physical fitness and reduced cardiometabolic risk and hepatic fat content in sedentary postmenopausal women.

Circulating myokines IL-6, IL-15 and FGF21 response to training is altered by exercise type but not by menopause in women with obesity

ABSTRACT To examine the effects of a time-matched endurance vs. concurrent training on circulating IL-6, IL-13, IL-15, IL-15Ra, FGF21 levels in postmenopausal women with obesity, and to determine these myokines response to endurance training pre- and postmenopause. Thirty-five sedentary postmenopausal women with obesity were randomly divided into endurance training (EN1, N = 10), concurrent training (CON, N = 13) or no training group (CT, N = 12). Additionally, twelve sedentary premenopausal women with obesity were added to an endurance training group (EN2, N = 12). Participants took part in a 12-week supervised intervention, performing 3 sessions/week of 60 min/session. Before and after the interventions, body composition and fitness were assessed, and blood samples obtained to measure serum myokines levels. Total fat mass decreased in all exercised groups (CON,−5.2%; EN1,−5.3%; EN2,−5.6%). In postmenopausal women, serum IL-6, IL-15 and IL-15Ra decreased after training (P<0.01), finding a pronounced reduction in IL-6 (−42% vs. −16%) and IL-15 (−50% vs. −31%) when comparing EN1 to CON (P<0.05). Serum FGF21 was only reduced in the EN1 (−27%; P=0.012). While EN1 and EN2 comparison, reported differences for IL-15Rα concentration (−28% vs. −40%; P=0.023). Finally, in EN2, the delta change of fat mass and IL-6, IL-15 and IL-15Rα were associated (r = 0.605; r = 0.546; r = 0.515; P<0.05). IL-13 showed undetected concentrations. Circulating IL-6, IL-15 and FGF21 response to training is altered by exercise type but not by menopause in women with obesity. Endurance training promotes a higher reduction of these myokines, potentially activating their intricate immune and fat mass regulation roles in postmenopausal women with obesity.