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

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.