Cardiovascular risk reduction in sedentary postmenopausal women during organised physical activity

Background: Cardiovascular (CV) diseases are a major cause of death in elderly women. Aerobic training improves component CV risk factors. Long-term, higher-intensity, group-based and home-based exercise training has been shown to improve exer­cise performance. However, it is not clear if short-term, group-based or home-based training with an educational programme permanently improves cardiometabolic parameters in elderly women. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of organised physical activity programmes dedicated to elderly, sedentary women. Methods: Thirty-five sedentary women, aged > 55 years (mean 65.4 ± 7.3 years) were enrolled in a two-week group-based physical training programme of moderate intensity (2.5–5.0 METs) followed by three months of organised, home-based physical activity targeting all major muscle groups with special emphasis on postural muscles, combined with an educational programme about physical activity and CV risk. Eighteen months of self-guided physical activity was the final stage of training. Medical examination and blood samples were collected at baseline and after each step of exercises. Results: Each step of training resulted in a reduction of systolic and diastolic blood pressure (p < 0.05), body mass index (p < 0.05), waist to hip ratio (p < 0.02), and low-density lipoprotein (p < 0.05) as compared to baseline. The time of exercise (p < 0.01), maximal tolerated load, and maximal oxygen consumption (p < 0.001) were significantly improved after two-weeks of training, as well as the high-density lipoprotein (p < 0.001). These changes remained significant after three months. Finally, the 10-year risk of fatal CV disease reduced significantly (p < 0.05). After 18 months 2/3 of subjects continued physical activity at a sufficient level to achieve additional health benefits according to the World Health Organisation. Conclusions: Organised, group-based exercise followed by home-based training and self-guided physical activities constantly improves cardiometabolic parameters and reduces CV risk.