The effect of an exercise intervention program on postmenopausal women living in North Queensland

Introduction: Sedentary postmenopausal women living in North Queensland have lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness, higher resting blood pressure, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio (Barnett, 2009), which are all risk factors for cardiovascular disease. In addition, 3.3% of Australians have osteoporosis, with the condition more common in females (5.3%) compared to males (1.2%) (ABS, 2012). Postmenopausal bone loss is a risk factor for osteoporosis and hip fracture. Exercise has been suggested as an effective intervention strategy for the reduction in the rate of bone loss for postmenopausal women and for the attenuation of cardiovascular disease risk factors. Previous research has found that sedentary postmenopausal women of North Queensland perceive a number of barriers to exercise, however when given the opportunity to exercise they perceive it as a positive experience (Barnett, 2013). The aim of this study was to determine whether an eight-week aerobic and resistance group-based exercise intervention had an effect on the health status and QoL of postmenopausal women living in North Queensland. Methods: Thirty three women volunteered to take part in the intervention consisting of a 60 minute group-based circuit style session undertaken three times per week. The circuit included a combination of aerobic & resistance exercises to music. Pre and post-intervention measures were taken. Primary outcome measures included anthropometric profiles, blood lipids, peripheral bone density, cardiorespiratory fitness, upper & lower body strength. Secondary measures included exercise self-efficacy and menopausal quality of life. Results: Twenty-six women completed the eight-week program. Significant increases were found in cardiorespiratory fitness (p=.00), upper body strength (p=.00), lower body strength (p=.00), exercise self-efficacy (p=.00) and the Menopause Quality of Life psychosocial (p=.01), physical (p=.00) and sexual (p=.01) domains. Waist girth (p= .01) and triglycerides (p=.02) significantly decreased. A downward trend was also found in cholesterol (p=.07). No difference was found for bone density. Conclusion: Results of this study suggest that an eight-week aerobic and resistance group-based exercise intervention can improve the health status and QoL of postmenopausal women living in North Queensland. It is suggested that a longer duration may be required for positive changes in bone density to be seen