The Clinical Utility of Resistance Training for Improving Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Post-Menopausal Women
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Cardiovascular Risk Factor
- Sponsor
- Oklahoma State University
- Enrollment
- 68
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in Aerobic Capacity
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 5 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
Given the heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in post-menopausal women, studies are needed to explore novel, feasible methods for reducing risk in this population. Based on prior data, primarily in other populations, progressive resistance training is a promising candidate. This project will test the effectiveness of a practical, progressive resistance training regimen for lowering numerous CVD risk factors compared to both aerobic training and no exercise in post-menopausal women.
Detailed Description
The number of women living with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is greater than for men and CVD is the leading cause of death for women. Post-menopausal women are a particularly vulnerable population in terms of adverse cardiovascular indicators and outcomes. Specifically, they exhibit greater visceral adipose tissue, fasting and postprandial glucose, total cholesterol (Total-C), fasting insulin, and systolic blood pressure, and are at increased risk for coronary heart disease compared to pre-menopausal women. There is also evidence that cardiovascular indicators (i.e., triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), etc) are stronger risk predictors in women than men. Despite the staggering rates of CVD in post-menopausal women, as noted by the American Heart Association (AHA), CVD remains understudied in this population. Numerous studies have demonstrated the cardioprotective effects of exercise. However, these studies have largely featured younger individuals, primarily men, undergoing aerobic exercise training. Findings in recent years have indicated the potential benefits of resistance training beyond improving muscular size or strength, such as improved aerobic fitness, central adiposity, glycemic control, and cholesterol profiles. However, large clinical gaps have been noted for women with regard to the effects of resistance training on cardiovascular health. Thus, there is a clear need to assess the cardioprotective effects of progressive exercise training in post-menopausal women. SPECIFIC AIMS: 1. To test the hypothesis that realistic full-body progressive resistance training improves markers of (a) cardiovascular health and (b) body composition and muscular health in post-menopausal women versus a low physical-activity control. A. The primary markers of cardiovascular health to be assessed are aerobic capacity, fasting and postprandial metabolic and inflammatory responses, vascular function via flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and markers of angiogenesis. B. The primary body composition and muscle function variables to be assessed are muscle size, isometric and dynamic muscle strength, lean body mass, percent body fat, and abdominal adiposity. 2. To compare the effects of realistic, full-body progressive resistance training in post-menopausal women versus moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, the standard exercise prescription for cardiovascular health, on the cardiovascular, body composition, and muscular health outcomes listed above in 1A. and B.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •provide written and dated informed consent to participate in the study; (2) be willing and able to comply with the protocol
- •be willing and able to comply with the protocol
- •be a female between the ages of 45 and 65, inclusive
- •be postmenopausal for ≥ 1 year
- •be in good health and free from chronic cardiovascular, pulmonary, or musculoskeletal disease as determined by a health history questionnaire
- •have a BMI between 18.5 and 40.0, inclusive; and
- •answer no to all questions on the PAR-Q for people aged 15 to 69, which are as follows:
- •Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?
- •Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?
- •In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?
Exclusion Criteria
- •are currently prescribed and/or taking lipid-lowering medications
- •are participating in another clinical trial within thirty days prior to enrollment
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in Aerobic Capacity
Time Frame: A week 0 and immediately after the 16-week intervention period
Participants will complete a maximal aerobic capacity test to determine VO2peak. The results of this test will be used to determine exercise intensity of the AT training condition, as well as serve as a primary end-point from pre- to post-intervention. In brief, participants will start the test at 25 W pedaling between 60-80 rpm, and the workload will be increased by 25 W each minute thereafter. Participants will exercise until they reach volitional fatigue, and can no longer maintain a pedal cadence greater than 60 rpm for 5 consecutive revolutions. Expired gases will be measured throughout the exercise testing via a metabolic cart and heart rate will be assessed using a wireless system.
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in Metabolic and Inflammatory responses to a Meal Tolerance Test (MTT)(A week 0 and immediately after the 16-week intervention period)
- Changes in Vascular Function(A week 0 and immediately after the 16-week intervention period)
- Changes in Body Composition(A week 0 and immediately after the 16-week intervention period)