Effects of a 26 week multicomponent exercise program on cardiovascular and lipid profiles in premenopausal and postmenopausal women

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the effects of a 26-week multicomponent exercise program on lipid and lipoprotein profiles, blood pressure, and anthropometric parameters in healthy, previously sedentary premenopausal and postmenopausal women aged 40–60, as determined by the Baecke physical activity questionnaire. The program, comprising resistance, balance, flexibility, and aerobic exercises performed at 60–80% of maximal heart rate, aimed to identify group-specific responses and establish the program’s efficacy in mitigating cardiovascular risks. Seventy-five women were recruited, and 38 completed the intervention. Participants were categorized into premenopausal (n = 18), postmenopausal (n = 10), and control groups (n = 10). Key measures included total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and anthropometric variables. Statistical analyses employed the Shapiro-Wilk test, paired t-tests, Wilcoxon tests, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, with α = 0.05. Significant improvements were observed in both groups. Premenopausal women showed superior lipid and glucose reductions (p < 0.01, d = 0.79), while postmenopausal women showed greater blood pressure decreases (p < 0.01, d > 1.40). Anthropometric changes were significant but varied in magnitude. Premenopausal women improved lipid and glucose profiles; postmenopausal women showed greater reductions in blood pressure and waist circumference. Multicomponent training with aerobic, resistance, and flexibility elements should be adapted to each group’s clinical targets.