Resistance Exercise Training on Vascular and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women

NCT06958965 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: NYCU114053AE
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 32
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Postmenopausal women often face risks of vascular dysfunction and muscle deterioration due to estrogen deficiency. These changes significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality. Previous studies have shown a significant positive correlation between vascular endothelial function and muscle strength. Moreover, muscle strength is a stronger predictor of mortality than muscle mass and is closely associated with the maintenance of functional independence in daily life. However, studies investigating the effects of whole-body progressive resistance training on vascular function and physical performance in postmenopausal women remain limited. This study aims to examine changes in vascular function and muscle strength in postmenopausal women following a whole-body progressive resistance training program.

Conditions

Postmenopausal Women

Keywords

exercise; cardiovascular diseases; arteries; arterial compliance; hormones; estrogen

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Flow-mediated dilation-endothelial function

  During the test, participants were instructed to remain in a supine position with the shoulder abducted to 90 degrees and the palm facing upward. A friction-reducing sleeve and a sphygmomanometer cuff were placed on the distal part of the non-dominant forearm. The cuff inflation pressure was set at least 50 mmHg above the systolic blood pressure measured from the dominant arm and maintained for 5 minutes. Immediately after the 5-minute occlusion period, the cuff was rapidly deflated, and the brachial artery diameter was continuously monitored for up to 3 minutes to capture post-deflation vascular changes.

  Change from baseline at 12 weeks

• Brachial-ankle plus wave velocity (baPWV)-arterial stiffness

  A non-invasive assessment of arterial stiffness was conducted using an arterial stiffness device based on pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement. During the test, participants were instructed to lie in a relaxed supine position in a quiet environment. Four blood pressure cuffs were placed on both arms and both ankles. The measurements from the left and right sides were averaged for analysis.The PWV was calculated using the following formula: PWV = Distance / Pulse Transit Time

  Chang from baseline at 12 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (8)

• Hand grip strength- muscle strength

  Change from baseline at 12 weeks

• Five-repetition maximum test (5RM)

  Change from baseline at 12 weeks

• Body Composition

  Change from baseline at 12 weeks

• Perceived Exertion

  Change from baseline at 12 weeks

• International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) - Taiwan Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form)

  Change from baseline at 12 weeks

Study Arms (2)

Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Vascular Function and Physical Performance in Postmenopau

EXPERIMENTAL

This study involved a 12-week group-based resistance training program, with two sessions per week, each lasting 90 to 120 minutes. The exercise intensity targeted 40-70% of participants' one-repetition maximum (1RM) or a moderate level (approximately a score of 3 on the Modified Borg RPE scale). Equipment used included dumbbells, kettlebells, grip rings, body bars, resistance bands, step platforms, and sandbags, following a three-phase structured exercise model.

Other: Resistance exercise training

Control

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in the control group did not undergo any resistance training intervention and were advised to continue their usual daily routines, dietary patterns, and prescribed medications throughout the study period.

Interventions

Resistance exercise training OTHER

The total duration of the training was 12 weeks, with a frequency of two sessions per week. Each session lasted approximately 90 to 120 minutes. The exercise intensity was set at 40-70% of the participants' one-repetition maximum (1RM), or adjusted based on the Modified Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), targeting a moderate intensity level (approximately a score of 3).

Also known as: resistance training

Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Vascular Function and Physical Performance in Postmenopau

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 55 Years - 70 Years
• Sex: female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Participants were eligible for the study if they met the following criteria:
• Postmenopausal women aged between 55 and 70 years;
• Body mass index (BMI) less than 30 kg/m²;
• At least one year since menopause;
• Able to live independently in the community;
• Able to communicate independently in Mandarin or Taiwanese.

You may not qualify if:

• Participants were excluded if they met any of the following conditions:
• Acute musculoskeletal injuries within the past month (e.g., acute inflammation, fractures, sprains, contusions, or joint implants);
• Diagnosed central or peripheral nervous system disorders affecting exercise participation (e.g., stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, autonomic dysfunction);
• History of serious cardiac conditions within the past six months (e.g., coronary stenting, pacemaker implantation, peripheral or cerebral vascular reconstruction);
• Presence of peripheral vascular diseases (e.g., peripheral artery disease, venous thrombosis);
• Hormone therapy within the past six months;
• Currently taking beta-blockers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or anticoagulant medications;
• Currently participating in any other structured exercise training programs.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University: lead

Study Sites (1)

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Taipei, 112304, Taiwan

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Motor Activity; Cardiovascular Diseases

Interventions

Resistance Training

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Behavior

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Physical Conditioning, Human; Exercise; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 28, 2025
• First Posted: May 6, 2025
• Study Start: June 9, 2025
• Primary Completion: November 3, 2025
• Study Completion: November 3, 2025
• Last Updated: March 13, 2026

Record last verified: 2025-07

Locations

TW (1)