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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Sports Med Int Open 2017; 1(05): E166-E171
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-118094
Training & Testing
Eigentümer und Copyright ©Georg Thieme Verlag KG 2017

Is Vigorous Exercise Training Superior to Moderate for CVD Risk after Menopause?

Julia Constance Orri
1   Kinesiology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
,
Elizabeth M Hughes
1   Kinesiology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
,
Deepa G. Mistry
1   Kinesiology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
,
Antone H. Scala
1   Kinesiology, University of San Francisco, San Francisco, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

received 20 April 2017
revised 10 October 2017

accepted 21 July 2017

Publication Date:
06 September 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Postmenopausal women have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease through many factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle and reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Endurance training improves coronary risk but the role of exercise intensity is unclear. The purpose of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of moderate versus vigorous exercise on cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women. Thirty-six postmenopausal women who self-reported training at moderate (3–5.9 METS; n=18; age 58.9±4.4yr) or vigorous intensities (>6 METS; n=18; age 59.7±5.2yr) participated. C-reactive protein (CRP), HRV, VO2max, and stress (Perceived Stress Survey, Menopause Rating Scale) were measured. Groups were compared using independent samples t-tests, and associations of exercise intensities with CRP and HRV were assessed using multiple regression. CRP, HRV, and VO2max were similar (p>0.05). Vigorous exercise had lower stress subscale scores (p<0.01) and higher counter-stress subscale scores compared to moderate (p<0.05). There was a positive association between time spent in vigorous exercise and HRV (p<0.05).Vigorous exercise may not confer additional benefits in CRP and HRV over moderate, except for stress reduction. However, more time spent in vigorous exercise was associated with higher HRV. Therefore, increased parasympathetic tone may provide cardioprotection after menopause.

Key words

exercise intensity - C-reactive protein - heart rate variability
 

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