The Clinical Utility of Resistance Training for Improving Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Post-Menopausal Women

Overview

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.

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.