Resistance Exercise Training on Vascular and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Status: Begins enrollment in 1 month

Conditions: Postmenopausal Women

Treatments: Other: Resistance exercise training

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06958965

NYCU114053AE

Details and patient eligibility

About

Postmenopausal women often face risks of vascular dysfunction and muscle deterioration due to estrogen deficiency. These changes significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Previous studies have shown a significant positive correlation between vascular endothelial function and muscle strength. Moreover, muscle strength is a stronger predictor of mortality than muscle mass and is closely associated with the maintenance of functional independence in daily life. However, studies investigating the effects of whole-body progressive resistance training on vascular function and physical performance in postmenopausal women remain limited. This study aims to examine changes in vascular function and muscle strength in postmenopausal women following a whole-body progressive resistance training program.

Enrollment: 32 estimated patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 55 to 70 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Participants were eligible for the study if they met the following criteria:

1. Postmenopausal women aged between 55 and 70 years;
2. Body mass index (BMI) less than 30 kg/m²;
3. At least one year since menopause;
4. Able to live independently in the community;
5. Able to communicate independently in Mandarin or Taiwanese.

Exclusion criteria

Participants were excluded if they met any of the following conditions:

1. Acute musculoskeletal injuries within the past month (e.g., acute inflammation, fractures, sprains, contusions, or joint implants);
2. Diagnosed central or peripheral nervous system disorders affecting exercise participation (e.g., stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, autonomic dysfunction);
3. History of serious cardiac conditions within the past six months (e.g., coronary stenting, pacemaker implantation, peripheral or cerebral vascular reconstruction);
4. Presence of peripheral vascular diseases (e.g., peripheral artery disease, venous thrombosis);
5. Hormone therapy within the past six months;
6. Currently taking beta-blockers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulant medications;
7. Currently participating in any other structured exercise training programs.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Non-Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

---

32 participants in 2 patient groups

Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Vascular Function and Physical Performance in Postmenopau

Experimental group

Description:

This study involved a 12-week group-based resistance training program, with two sessions per week, each lasting 90 to 120 minutes. The exercise intensity targeted 40-70% of participants' one-repetition maximum (1RM) or a moderate level (approximately a score of 3 on the Modified Borg RPE scale). Equipment used included dumbbells, kettlebells, grip rings, body bars, resistance bands, step platforms, and sandbags, following a three-phase structured exercise model.

Treatment:

Other: Resistance exercise training

Control

No Intervention group

Description:

Participants in the control group did not undergo any resistance training intervention and were advised to continue their usual daily routines, dietary patterns, and prescribed medications throughout the study period.