Exercise training for 12 weeks resulted in a 9% smaller increase in maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max) in postmenopausal compared to premenopausal women (P<0.05).
Observational (n=25)
Does menopause alter aerobic adaptations and left ventricular mechanics in response to 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training in healthy untrained middle-age women?
Postmenopausal women exhibit reduced aerobic adaptability to high-intensity interval training compared to premenopausal women, which may be driven by altered blood volume distribution rather than central cardiac limitations.
valor p: p=<0.05
INTRODUCTION: Postmenopausal women have lower resting cardiac function than premenopausal women, but whether the menopause influences maximal cardiac output and hence exercise capacity is unclear. It is possible that premenopausal and postmenopausal women achieve similar improvements in maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max) and cardiac output with exercise training via different regional left ventricular muscle function ("LV mechanics"), as suggested by in vitro and animal studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the menopause on LV mechanics and adaptations to exercise training. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy untrained middle-age women (age, 45-58 yr; 11 premenopausal, 14 postmenopausal) completed 12 wk of exercise training. Before and after exercise training, (i) V˙O2max and blood volume were determined, and (ii) LV mechanics were assessed using echocardiography at rest and during two submaximal physiological tests - lower-body negative pressure and supine cycling. RESULTS: The increase in V˙O2max after exercise training was 9% smaller in postmenopausal than premenopausal women, concomitant with a smaller increase in blood volume (P 0.05) despite altered regional LV muscle function, as indicated by higher basal mechanics in premenopausal women during the physiological tests after exercise training (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings are the first to confirm altered LV mechanics in postmenopausal women. In addition, the reduced aerobic adaptability to exercise training in postmenopausal women does not appear to be a central cardiac limitation and may be due to altered blood volume distribution and lower peripheral adaptations.
Nio et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in Healthy untrained middle-age women (n=25). Exercise training vs. Premenopausal women was evaluated on Maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max) and blood volume (p=<0.05). Exercise training for 12 weeks resulted in a 9% smaller increase in maximal aerobic capacity (V˙O2max) in postmenopausal compared to premenopausal women (P<0.05).