The efficacy of a group-based exercise program for postmenopausal women: a preliminary study

Background: Exercise has many physiological and psychosocial benefits for postmenopausal women. Previous research has shown that sedentary postmenopausal women of North Queensland perceive a number of barriers to exercise, however, when they are given the right opportunity to exercise they perceive it as a positive experience. Objective: This study aimed to determine whether an 8-week aerobic and resistance group-based exercise intervention had an effect on the physiological and psychosocial health of postmenopausal women living in North Queensland. A secondary aim was to explore the participatory experiences of the women. Methods: Thirty-three postmenopausal women volunteered for the intervention which consisted of group-based circuit style sessions three times per week incorporating aerobic and resistance exercises. Primary outcome measures included blood pressure, blood lipids, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio, cardiorespiratory fitness, peripheral bone density and strength. Secondary measures included exercise self-efficacy and menopausal quality of life using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL). Focus groups were conducted post-intervention to discuss participants’ exercise experiences. Results: Twenty-six women completed the eight-week program. Significant increases were found in cardiorespiratory fitness (p=0.00), upper body strength (p=0.00), lower body strength (p=0.00), exercise self-efficacy (p=0.00) and the MENQOL psychosocial (p=0.01), physical (p=0.00) and sexual (p=0.01) domains. Waist girth (p=0.01) and triglycerides (p=0.02) significantly decreased. Participants also reported they had more motivation and confidence, increased strength and improved functional activities, the disappearance of pain and positive feelings from the intervention. Participants most enjoyed the social effect, the lack of feeling self-conscious, the friendly competitiveness and the facilitator. Conclusion: An 8-week group-based exercise intervention can improve the physiological and psychosocial health of postmenopausal women. Previously sedentary postmenopausal women can have a positive exercise experience which may increase the likelihood of future exercise participation