Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Is Vigorous Exercise Training Superior To Moderate For Cvd Risk After Menopause?, Julia Orri, E. M. Hughes, D. G. Mistry, A. Scala

Kinesiology (Formerly Exercise and Sport Science)

Postmenopausal women have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease through many factors, such as a sedentary lifestyle and reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Endurance training improves coronary risk but the role of exercise intensity is unclear. The purpose of this observational study was to evaluate the effects of moderate versus vigorous exercise on cardiovascular disease risk in postmenopausal women. Thirty-six postmenopausal women who self-reported training at moderate (3–5.9 METS; n = 18; age 58.9 ± 4.4yr) or vigorous intensities ( > 6 METS; n = 18; age 59.7 ± 5.2yr) participated. C-reactive protein (CRP), HRV, VO2max, and stress (Perceived Stress Survey, …