Cardiovascular risk reduction in sedentary postmenopausal women during organised physical activity

Abstract

A b s t r a c tBackground: Cardiovascular (CV) diseases are a major cause of death in elderly women. Aerobic training improves component CV risk factors. Long-term, higher-intensity, group-based and home-based exercise training has been shown to improve exercise performance. However, it is not clear if short-term, group-based or home-based training with an educational programme permanently improves cardiometabolic parameters in elderly women. Aim:The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of organised physical activity programmes dedicated to elderly, sedentary women.Methods: Thirty-five sedentary women, aged > 55 years (mean 65.4 ± 7.3 years) were enrolled in a two-week group-based physical training programme of moderate intensity (2.5-5.0 METs) followed by three months of organised, home-based physical activity targeting all major muscle groups with special emphasis on postural muscles, combined with an educational programme about physical activity and CV risk. Eighteen months of self-guided physical activity was the final stage of training. Medical examination and blood samples were collected at baseline and after each step of exercises.Results: Each step of training resulted in a reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05), body mass index (p < 0.05), waist to hip ratio (p < 0.02), and low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.05) as compared to baseline. The time of exercise (p < 0.01), maximal tolerated load, and maximal oxygen consumption (p < 0.001) were significantly improved after two-weeks of training, as well as the high-density lipoprotein (p < 0.001). These changes remained significant after three months. Finally, the 10-year risk of fatal CV disease reduced significantly (p < 0.05). After 18 months 2/3 of subjects continued physical activity at a sufficient level to achieve additional health benefits according to the World Health Organisation.Conclusions: Organised, group-based exercise followed by home-based training and self-guided physical activities constantly improves cardiometabolic parameters and reduces CV risk.

Evaluation of comprehensive ambulatory rehabilitation of people over 60 years of age

“…To sum up the discussion, it should be emphasized that the applied daily outpatient care and comprehensive rehabilitation program including tailored endurance training, psychological therapy and other forms of therapeutic interactions proved effective in reducing the risk of falls, improving the balance and gait efficiency, and minimizing the severity of pain experienced by respondents. The results confirm that, where possible, geriatric rehabilitation should include elements of systematic and intensive physical activation in the form of endurance training that improves the functioning of skeletal muscles, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and also positively affects the activities of the central nervous system [21][22][23]. 9.08/16.00 points (SD=3.64), and after its completion it was graded at 12.47/16.00 points (SD=4.14).…”

Impact of the comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation on reducing intensification of depressive symptoms in people over 60 years of age

“…To sum up the discussion, it should be emphasized that the applied daily outpatient care and comprehensive rehabilitation program including tailored endurance training, psychological therapy and other forms of therapeutic interactions proved effective in increasing the involvement of seniors in physical activity and minimizing the severity of depression symptoms experienced by the subjects. The results confirm that, where possible, geriatric rehabilitation should include elements of systematic and intensive physical activation in the form of endurance training that improves the functioning of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and also positively affects the activities of the central nervous system [21,22].…”

Effect of physical exercise on cardiometabolic parameters in post-menopause: an integrative review

“…This category consists of seven publications [10][11][12][13][14][15][16] that address the effects of exercise on the metabolism of menopausal women. The authors mainly focused on the endocrine metabolism and the normalization of the body's hormones in order to improve the well-being of women under these conditions.…”

“…The authors mainly focused on the endocrine metabolism and the normalization of the body's hormones in order to improve the well-being of women under these conditions. Of the articles analyzed, four [10][11][12][13] addressed the contributions of physical exercise to the lipid metabolism, the reduction of waist circumference and weight loss. One study 11 demonstrated that regular exercise training over a three-month period resulted in a significant improvement in metabolic parameters, with a significant increase in HDL level, a significant reduction in LDL level, improved physical fitness and heart rate and diastolic blood pressure normalization, reducing cardiovascular risks over ten years when analyzed by the Framingham scale 10,11 . In addition, the studies 14,15 highlighted that performing exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention is a valuable therapeutic resource in postmenopausal women, acting positively in reducing visceral adipose tissue, waist circumference and BMI.…”