Resistance Exercise Training on Vascular and Physical Function in Postmenopausal Women

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

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.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Postmenopausal Women
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Resistance exercise training

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 32
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Taiwan
  • Taipei, Taiwan, 112304
    • National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Participants were eligible for the study if they met the following criteria:

1. Postmenopausal women aged between 55 and 70 years;
2. Body mass index (BMI) less than 30 kg/m²;
3. At least one year since menopause;
4. Able to live independently in the community;
5. Able to communicate independently in Mandarin or Taiwanese.

Exclusion Criteria:

Participants were excluded if they met any of the following conditions:

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

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Prevention
• Allocation: Non-Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Effects of Resistance Exercise Training on Vascular Function and Physical Performance in Postmenopau; 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; 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).; Other Names: resistance training
No Intervention: Control; 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.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
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 Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Hand grip strength- muscle strength	Participants were instructed to stand with their feet shoulder-width apart, with elbows fully extended and slightly abducted at approximately 45 degrees. They were asked to apply maximum grip strength and hold for 3 to 4 seconds. Each hand was tested three times, with a 10- to 15-second rest between trials. Both hands were tested, and the highest value from each hand was recorded for analysis.	Change from baseline at 12 weeks
Five-repetition maximum test (5RM)	In this study, exercise intensity was estimated using the five-repetition maximum (5RM) test to predict the one-repetition maximum (1RM). Given that the target population consisted of middle-aged and older postmenopausal women, the 5RM test was selected to reduce the risk of injury and enhance participant motivation. The predicted 1RM was calculated using the formula proposed by LeSuer et al.: 1RM = body weight × (1 + 0.0333 × number of repetitions)	Change from baseline at 12 weeks
Body Composition	Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) of the limbs was assessed using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA; InBody 270, Tokyo, Japan). During the test, participants stood barefoot on the marked footplate positions with their arms relaxed and slightly abducted, placing their thumbs on the designated sensors. Each measurement lasted approximately 10 to 15 seconds while maintaining a standing posture.	Change from baseline at 12 weeks
Perceived Exertion	This study utilized the Chinese version of the Modified Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) scale to assess participants' subjective perception of effort. The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where a score of 0 indicates no exertion at all.	Change from baseline at 12 weeks
International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) - Taiwan Physical Activity Questionnaire (Short Form)	The IPAQ is a self-reported instrument assesses the time spent in the past 7 days on activities including work, housework, gardening/balcony work, commuting, leisure, and exercise. Total time spent per week is multiplied by the metabolic equivalent (MET) and summed to present the total MET-minutes per week. Physical activity intensity is classified into walking (3.3 METs), moderate (4.0 METs), and vigorous (8.0 METs).	Change from baseline at 12 weeks
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB)	This assessment consisted of three components to evaluate lower extremity function. First, the standing balance test required participants to maintain balance in three stances-feet together, semi-tandem, and full tandem-for up to 10 seconds each. Second, the gait speed test measured the time it took participants to walk 4 meters at their usual pace, reflecting their walking speed. Third, the chair stand test assessed lower limb muscle strength by recording the time needed to complete five consecutive sit-to-stand movements with arms crossed over the chest. These tests collectively provided an objective measure of physical performance.	Change from baseline at 12 weeks
3-Meter Walk Test	This test is used to assess lower limb strength, balance, gait, and functional mobility in older adults. At the start of the test, the participant sits on a chair with a backrest, placing both hands on their thighs. Upon instruction, the participant stands up, walks to a marker placed 3 meters away, turns around the marker, walks back, and sits down again. The test is performed at the fastest safe speed.	Change from baseline at 12 weeks
30-Second Chair Stand Test:	While seated on a chair of standard height with feet flat on the floor, participants are instructed to cross their arms over their chest. Upon the start of the test, they repeatedly stand up and sit down as many times as possible within 30 seconds. The total number of completed repetitions is recorded.	Change from baseline at 12 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): June 9, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): November 3, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): November 3, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: April 28, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: April 28, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): May 6, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 13, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 12, 2026
• Last Verified: July 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: exercise; estrogen; cardiovascular diseases; hormones; arteries; arterial compliance
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Behavior; Cardiovascular Diseases; Motor Activity; Motor Activity; Movement; Musculoskeletal Physiological Phenomena; Musculoskeletal and Neural Physiological Phenomena; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Patient Care; Exercise Therapy; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Physical Conditioning, Human; Exercise; Resistance Training
• Other Study ID Numbers: NYCU114053AE

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No