Comparing walking and a selected aerobic exercise effect on cardiovascular risk factors in non-athletic postmenopausal women after twelve weeks of training

ABSTRACT: Given the importance of physical activity in preventing cardiovascular disease, this study compares walking and a selected aerobic exercise effects on cardiovascular risk factors in non-athletic postmenopausal (50-60 year-old) women. In this study, 45 healthy postmenopausal women were randomly divided into three groups of 15 people, selected aerobic training, walking and control groups. First, blood pressure, heart rate, peak oxygen consumption and body dimensions including height, weight and body mass index were measured, then blood samples were collected from subjects in the fasting state before treatment and lipid levels (high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, triglycerides) systolic pressure and fasting blood sugar were measured. Duration and intensity of exercise included intensity of 50-70% of maximum heart rate in 12 weeks, in 30 to 90 minutes, 5 times a week (30 minutes at 50% MHR intensity for the first week and 90 minutes, with 70% of MHR in the last week). After the training period, serum lipids, systolic blood pressure and blood glucose were measured again. The data were analyzed using Dependent t-test, MONOVA statistic test and TUKY tracking test. The results showed some significant difference between sports groups and the control group (P?0.05). Based on the results, aerobic exercise effects was just significant on the mean change of low density lipoprotein(P?0.05). Also, walking had a significant effect on the reduction of serum mean lipids(P?0.05). After 12 weeks of training, there were no significant differences between serum lipids(P > 0.05). Aerobic exercises as walking or selected aerobic exercises caused plasma lipids reduction in postmenstrual women.