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 (p<.05), augmentation pressure (p<.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 (p<.05). The cfPWV, AP, AIx@75, SBP, and %BF were lower in the HAW group than in the SPO group (p<.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.