Different Exercise Behaviors Influence Heart Rate Variability, Autonomic Nerve System Function and Menopausal Symptoms in Post-Menopausal Women

[Purpose] Post-menopausal women are often affected with menopausal syndromes, and their sedentary lifestyle may increase their risk of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to assay the correlation between heart rate variability (HRV), the adjustment of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), and menopausal symptoms among different exercise behaviors of post-menopausal women. [Subjects and Methods] This was a cross-sectional study, and the relationships between exercise behavior, menopause rating scale (MRS), and HRV were analyzed. Subjects were assessed by a structured questionnaire and electrocardiography, and assigned to Group A, Group B, and Group C according to exercise behaviors (low, medium, and high, respectively). [Results] Three hundred and twenty-seven post-menopausal women were assessed. The correlation analysis revealed that exercise behaviors had negative correlations with MRS, and the low frequency component and the low frequency / high frequency ratio of heart rate power spectra. MRS of Group C was significantly lower than that of Groups A and B. There were no significant differences in HRV among the three groups. [Conclusions] The differences of exercise behavior affected post-menopausal symptoms and the adjustment of ANS of post-menopausal women.