Effects of Different Resistance and Endurance Training Efforts on Heart and Metabolic Health in Active Postmenopausal Women

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to study the effects of a 20-week concurrent training program combining endurance and resistance exercises on neuromuscular function, body composition, cardiometabolic health, quality of life, mood, physical self-perception, and menopause-related symptoms in physically active postmenopausal women. The study also compares different combinations of endurance and resistance training with varied effort configurations to find the most beneficial approach. It builds on previous research by including controlled endurance training to better understand how these exercise types interact during concurrent training. Participants follow a 20-week supervised concurrent training program with four weekly sessions two endurance and two resistance training sessions. Resistance exercises target major muscle groups using a 12-repetition maximum load with specific set and rest configurations. Endurance training includes cycling at prescribed intensities determined by exercise testing, lasting 30 minutes per session. Six different training groups vary in resistance set configurations and endurance training effort levels, including moderate continuous cycling and aerobic interval training at low or high effort. Throughout the 20 weeks, participants undergo regular assessments at baseline, weeks 6, 12, 18, and post-intervention week 24. Evaluations include blood pressure, heart rate variability, arterial stiffness, metabolic rate, body composition, muscle strength, mood, quality of life, menopause symptoms, and blood markers. These measurements help track adaptations over time and identify optimal training combinations. The total study duration includes the intervention and follow-up assessments to monitor health effects and training outcomes.

Cardiometabolic Adaptations to Concurrent Training: Effect of Effort Configuration on Postmenopausal Women