Maximal and submaximal aerobic fitness in postmenopausal women: influence of hormone-replacement therapy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine whether maximal and submaximal aerobic fitness parameters (peak oxygen consumption and ventilatory threshold, respectively) are affected by hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) in moderately active postmenopausal women. Forty healthy, active, postmenopausal women (21 taking HRT, mean age 62 +/- 5 years; 19 not taking HRT, mean age 62 +/- 7 years) met the peak oxygen consumption criteria during a cycle ergometer test (15 W ramp) and achieved volitional fatigue. Breath-by-breath measurement was used to determine peak oxygen consumption and to estimate ventilatory threshold. There were no differences in characteristics (age, body mass, height, body mass index, leisure-time physical activity) between the non-HRT and HRT groups, nor were there any differences in responses to maximal exercise, with an observed peak oxygen consumption (mL.kg-1.min-1) of 22.9 +/- 3.8 in the non-HRT group and 22.0 +/- 4.7 in the HRT group. There was also no difference in submaximal aerobic capacity, with ventilatory threshold values (mL.kg-1.min-1) of 16.7 +/- 3.4 in the non-HRT group and 15.6 +/- 3.2 in the HRT group. In a sample of healthy moderately active postmenopausal women, there was no difference in maximal or submaximal aerobic fitness parameters between the HRT and non-HRT groups.

Speeding of VO2 kinetics in response to endurance-training in older and young women

“…Gurd et al (2007) examined the effects of menstrual cycle on sVO 2p in young women, and Stathokostas et al (2008) studied the effects of hormone replacement therapy on sVO 2p in older women. However, to our knowledge, there is no information on changes in the rate of adjustment of VO 2p kinetics in response to endurance training in older and young women.…”

Combined effect of physical exercise and hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular and metabolic health in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

“…This may be influenced by increased adiposity, reduced basal metabolic rate, and lower peripheral arterial flow induced by reduced estrogen and nitric oxide levels, as well as reduced skeletal muscle mass and strength ( 40 - 42 ). However, the results regarding the association between HRT and physical fitness are controversial; most studies have shown that this combination does not influence VO 2max ( 43 - 45 ). Some authors, on the other hand, have shown that HRT increases arterial compliance during exercise, possibly facilitating the attainment of favorable oxygen consumption ( 46 ).…”

“…Results in the literature diverge on the effects of the combined treatment on exercise tolerance ( 44 , 52 - 54 ). Our meta-analysis showed that aerobic exercise associated with HRT presented better results than sedentary behavior and HRT ( Figure 2B ), largely justified by the adaptations promoted by aerobic physical training on the systems that transport and absorb oxygen.…”