Metabolic syndrome and menopause: A population-based study

Cardiorespiratory fitness and body mass index on metabolic syndrome in middle-aged Japanese adults under national health guidance: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Poor cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and high body mass index (BMI) increased the risk of developing metabolic Syndrome (MetS) mostly in Caucasians. However, the sex-specific combined association of CRF and BMI on MetS considering health-related behaviors has yet to be thoroughly examined in Japanese. This study aims to investigate the sex-specific independent and combined associations of CRF and BMI with MetS in middle-aged Japanese adults.

METHODS

421 participants were included in this cross-sectional study. CRF was estimated using a submaximal cycle ergometer. CRF and BMI were respectively divided into three categories according to tertile distribution. MetS was diagnosed based on five risk factors: waist circumference, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure, and fasting glucose. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate independent and combined association of CRF and BMI with MetS.

RESULTS

Results showed that 154 (57.5%) and 70 (45.8%) of men and women had MetS, respectively. Compared to men with lower CRF or higher BMI, men with middle and higher CRF or middle and lower BMI were less likely to have MetS. Compared with 'unfit and higher BMI' group, 'unfit and lower BMI', 'fit and higher BMI', and 'fit and lower BMI' groups in men showed statistically significant decreased prevalences of MetS. However, no significant associations were found in women.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found significant independent and combined associations of CRF and BMI with MetS only in men, but not in women. However, prospective studies are warranted to confirm sex-specific associations of CRF and BMI with MetS.

Association between Menopause, Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy and Metabolic Syndrome

(1) Background: We aimed to explore the associations between menopause, postmenopausal hormone therapy, and metabolic syndrome in a large community-based group of Asian women. (2) Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which we enrolled women aged 30 to 70 years with sufficient information about menopausal status from the Taiwan Biobank. The definition for metabolic syndrome used in this study aligns with the Bureau of Health Promotion's (Taiwan) proposed definition. (3) Results: A total of 17,460 women were recruited. The postmenopausal group had a higher metabolic syndrome prevalence (30% vs. 14%) and 1.17 times higher odds ratio (OR) than the premenopausal group (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 to 1.33). Regarding the types of menopause, surgical menopause was associated with metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.40; 95% CI = 1.20 to 1.63); however, natural menopause was not associated with metabolic syndrome. Interestingly, postmenopausal hormone therapy was associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome in the women with natural menopause (OR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.70 to 0.89), but not in those with surgical menopause. (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that menopause is associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome, while postmenopausal hormone therapy is associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome in women with natural menopause.

Frequency of Metabolic Syndrome and Study of Anthropometric, Clinical and Biological Characteristics in Peri- and Postmenopausal Women in the City of Ksar El Kebir (Northern Morocco)

This study aimed to determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome and to identify its predictive factors in peri- and post-menopausal women in the city of Ksar El Kebir, in northern Morocco. A total of 373 peri- and post-menopausal women between 45 and 64 years old participated in the study. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) definition. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated to assess the degree of obesity in women; anthropometric, clinical and biological parameters were collected during interviews. The mean ages of peri- and postmenopausal women were 48.84 ± 2.4 years and 56.65 ± 4.29 years, respectively. Postmenopausal women had higher means of anthropometric and biological parameters than peri-menopausal women. We also noted a predominance of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women (n = 158) compared to peri-menopausal women (n = 81). Waist circumference was the predominant marker in the subjects studied, whereas triglycerides were the lower marker. In the overall population, the incidence of metabolic syndrome and its associated factors were higher in postmenopausal women than in peri-menopausal women, from which it can be concluded that post menopause may be a predictor of metabolic syndrome.

Metabolomics and physiological analysis of the effect of calcium supplements on reducing bone loss in ovariectomized rats by increasing estradiol levels

BACKGROUND

Data from the 2010-2012 Chinese National Nutrition and Health Survey showed that the vast majority of postmenopausal women in China had dual deficiencies in calcium and estrogen.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to clarify whether calcium supplementation alleviated bone loss caused by calcium restriction combined with estrogen deficiency in rats.

METHODS

Forty-eight female rats aged 9 weeks were assigned to 4 groups and fed a low-calcium diet: sham-operated (SHAM-LC), ovariectomized (OVX-LC), and ovariectomized rats treated with 750 mg/kg (OVX-LC-M) or 2800 mg/kg CaCO3 (OVX-LC-H). CaCO3 or distilled water was administered orally for 13 weeks. Bone mineral density (BMD) and histomorphometry of the femur, serum biochemical parameters, and serum metabolites were analyzed.

RESULTS

The OVX-LC rats showed a significant increase in body weight and serum levels of lipid markers, a significant decrease in serum estradiol, calcium, phosphorus, and 25(OH)D levels, and deterioration of the femur. At 750 mg/kg and 2800 mg/kg, CaCO3 reduced the deterioration of trabecular bone and increased the trabecular area percentage (Tb.Ar %) and BMD of the femur. Serum estradiol levels increased in a dose-dependent manner after CaCO3 supplementation (p < 0.01). The administration of 2800 mg/kg CaCO3 decreased serum triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein levels (p < 0.05) and decreased the levels of the bone turnover markers osteocalcin, N-telopeptide of type I collagen and β-crosslaps. The results of the metabolomics analysis showed that the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was closely related to calcium supplementation, and more DG (44:6 n3), LysoPC (22:2) and PE (P-34:3) and less Cer (d43:0) and PE-NMe2 (46:3) were produced.

CONCLUSIONS

The results clearly indicated that calcium supplementation was beneficial for decreasing bone loss in OVX-LC rats. The present study is the first to show that calcium supplementation increased the estradiol content in OVX-LC rats, and the effect of calcium on bone loss may be partially attributed to the increase in the estrogen level that subsequently induced the changes in metabolite levels, eventually increasing the bone mineral density to a relatively higher level to reduce bone deterioration.

The synergistic effects of vitamin D and estradiol deficiency on metabolic syndrome in Chinese postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies show that vitamin D (VitD) deficiency is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Current evidence suggests that estrogen and VitD have similar physiological functions and potentially interact with bone health. We investigated the association between estradiol (E2) and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D [25(OH)D] with MetS and its components in Chinese postmenopausal women.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we examined 616 postmenopausal women (aged 49-86 y) from southern China who were not taking estrogen and VitD/calcium supplements. At the end of data collection, serum E2 and 25(OH)D were measured for each participant. MetS was defined according to the 2006 International Diabetes Federation standard.

RESULTS

There was a positive correlation between 25(OH)D and E2. Higher 25(OH)D was associated with a favorable lipid profile, blood pressure, and glucose level. E2 was negatively associated with cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. The odds ratio for MetS was 2.19 (95% CI, 1.19-4.01, P value for trend=0.009) for deficient compared with sufficient women after multivariable adjustment. This association remained unchanged after further adjusting for E2 levels. After stratified analysis by VitD status, low E2 increased MetS risk in women with VitD deficiency (odds ratio = 3.49, 95% CI, 1.45-8.05 for the lowest vs the highest tertile).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest a synergistic role of VitD and E2 deficiency in MetS in Chinese postmenopausal women.

Prevalence and Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a predictor of several diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dyslipidemia, stroke, osteoarthritis, certain cancers, and death leading to public health concern in most societies. We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and incidence of MetS in Iranian population through a meta-analysis study. We included cross-sectional and cohort studies to estimate the overall prevalence and incidence rates of MetS in Iran National databases including MagIran, Science Information Database, IranMedex, and international databases including Medline, Web of Sciences, and Scopus were searched up to October 2017. Finally, 125 studies were included. The total sample size was 472,401 with a mean age of 38 ± 7.8 years. The overall pooled prevalence and incidence rate among the general population of Iran was 0.26 (95% CI: 0.26, 0.29) and 97.96 (95% CI: 75.98, 131.48), respectively. The pooled prevalence of MetS was higher in females and in urban areas. The highest and lowest prevalence of MetS was obtained by the Iranian definition criteria (0.43) and the NHANES III (0.12). The highest and lowest incidence rates of MetS were obtained by IDF (144.07 per 1000) and the JIS (89.73 per 1000). The prevalence of MetS was higher in women and those living in urban areas. Furthermore, the prevalence of MetS increased with increasing age in both genders.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and associated factors in middle-aged women: a cross-sectional study in Northeast Brazil

We determined the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and associated factors in 419 women (aged 40 to 65 years) in Northeast Brazil in a cross-sectional study conducted from April to November 2013. We defined MetS using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Socio-demographic variables, reproductive factors, lifestyle factors, anthropometrics, body composition, quality of life, and physical performance were assessed for their associations. We constructed multivariate Poisson regression models to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We identified 275 (65.6%) cases of MetS. The three most prevalent indicators were obesity (73.5%), reduced high-density lipoprotein level (63.0%), and elevated blood pressure (60.9%). In the final adjusted model, black race (PR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07-1.57), lower grip strength/body mass index (PR 1.31, 95% CI: 1.15-1.50), and low estradiol levels (PR 1.17, 95% CI: 1.00-1.35) were associated with MetS. MetS is a long-term threat to the health of middle-aged women and a potential public health burden. These results may help in developing health promotion strategies to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with MetS in this vulnerable population.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Iran: A meta-analysis of 69 studies

AIMS

Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The present study investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Published articles in English and Persian during 2000-2016 identified using keywords of prevalence, metabolic syndrome, and Iran in the following databases: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, SID and Magiran. Random effect model used to calculate the pooled estimates. Heterogeneity of studies assessed using Q statistic, and geographical distribution of metabolic syndrome demonstrated via GIS map. Data were analyzed by STATA-11.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 30.4% (95%CI: 28.3-32.6) with no significant heterogeneity by diagnostic criteria. The lowest frequency was reported in Sistan and Baluchestan Province [18.3% (95% CI: 12.9-25.8)] compared to the highest in Bushehr [57.8% (95% CI: 41.8-80.0)]. It was significantly more prevalent in women [(34.8% (95%CI: 31.2-38.8)] compared to men [25.7% (95%CI: 23.4-28.3)] (P = 0.001)]. A significant increasing trend (P = 0.001) was observed in different age groups, as metabolic syndrome increased from 12.1% (95% CI: 9.37-15.6) in 20-29 years-old age group to 51.7% (95%CI: 47.4-56.4) in the over 60 years-old age group.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one-third of Iranian adults have metabolic syndrome which varied by regions, age and gender. Then, appropriate intervention based on behavioral patterns of inhabitants and local conditions may help to reduce the burden of disease.

Physical activity levels and associated cardiovascular disease risk factors among postmenopausal rural women of Bangladesh

OBJECTIVES

The role of physical inactivity in relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD) among postmenopausal women is understudied. The main objective of this study was to measure the physical activity levels (PALs) and evaluate its relation to other CVD risk factors among postmenopausal rural women of Bangladesh.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 265 postmenopausal women aged 40-70 years who visited the outpatient department of a primary health-care center situated in the village Karamtola of Gazipur district. A pretested modified questionnaire of STEP-wise approach to Surveillance (STEPS) of noncommunicable disease risk factors was used to collect data on sociodemographic and lifestyle factors. PAL was determined by the Estimated Energy Requirement (EER) equation of the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) Committee, and association with CVD risk factors was examined by Spearman's rank correlation.

RESULTS

More than half (58.1%) of the postmenopausal women were identified as sedentary with high prevalence of central obesity (73.2%) among them. CVD risk factors including age (r = -0.228, p < 0.01), age at menopause (r = -0.129, p < 0.05), duration of menopause (r = -0.183, p < 0.05), 2-h plasma glucose (r = -0.148, p < 0.05), total cholesterol (r = -0.138, p < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.122, p < 0.05), and triglyceride (r = -0.168, p < 0.01) showed a significant as well as inverse association with Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) of physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Low PAL and significant inverse correlation with various CVD risk factors demand interventions to maintain higher PAL among postmenopausal women of Bangladesh.

Menopause and metabolic syndrome in the Middle East countries; a systematic review and meta-analysis study

INTRODUCTION

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) prevalence that is associated with increasing risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) has accelerated with age. Since, menopause is known as a partial cause of CVD accelartion with againg among women, determining the prevalence of MetS is important in this condition. We aimed to assess critically the prevalence rate of MetS among menopaused women in the Middle East Countries in this systematic review meta-analysis study.

METHODS & MATERIALS

International webdata bases including Scopus, ISI web of Science and PubMed were systematically searched using Medical Subject Headings terms from January 2000 to February 2017. We included all cross-sectional conducted in the Middle East that reported prevalence of MetS in menopause status regardless of MetS definition. Quality assessment was considered for each included study. The pooled prevalence of MetS based on the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) was estimated using random effect method due to between-study heterogeneity by STATA software, version 11.0 (StataCorp, USA).

RESULTS

Within 60 studies, 21 and 17 studies were included in qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis respectively. The prevalence of MetS among menopaused women was estimated 54.87% (95% CI: 53.76-55.97) in the Middle East countries. In sub-group analysis based on country the prevalence rate of MetS in Iran and Turkey was estimated 58.78% (95% CI: 57.54-60.02), and 39.02% (95% CI: 36.57-41.47), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MetS was highly prevalent as an alarming sign among menopaused women in the Middle East countries. Thus, it is an emergency requirement to promote healthy lifestyle. Also, early detection and treatment of women who reach menopause and are at great risk of developing MetS is necessary for prevention of diabetes and CVD in the region.

Comparative effects of vitamin D and vitamin C supplementations with and without endurance physical activity on metabolic syndrome patients: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Vitamin D and C levels have inverse relation with the metabolic syndrome components and they are used as antioxidant supplements during enduring metabolic activities. In the present study, we hypothesized that the intake of vitamin D and/or C with endurance physical activity might reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome.

METHODS

A randomized control study recruited 180 participants of both genders, aged between 30 and 50 years. The participants were assigned into six groups receiving different doses of vitamin D or vitamin C with or without physical activities. Data were collected over a period of 3 months, and the results were analyzed using SPSS version 20.

RESULTS

Variations in the effect of the supplements on various body variables including: Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and blood pressure, showed that vitamin D has more influence compared to vitamin C. However, vitamin D and C supplements do not have any effect on weight when consumers are undergoing endurance physical exercise. But vitamin C consumer group has more effect in waist circumference, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein, as compared to vitamin D consumer group.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that, consumption of vitamin D or vitamin C supplements may improves the life of metabolic syndrome patients. However, the combination of physical activities and vitamin supplements maximize the effect, and this combination should be recommended.Trial registration WHO-ICTRP IRCT20161110030823N2. Registered 01 February 2018. http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=IRCT20161110030823N2.

Associations of exercise, sedentary time and insomnia with metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese older adults: A 1-year follow-up study

BACKGROUND

Understanding the risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is important to public health, since individuals with MetS have an increased risk of health problems. This study examined the associations of exercise, sedentary time and insomnia with incident MetS among older adults 1 year later.

METHOD

A total of 1,359 older adults receiving hospital health examinations in 2012 were studied, and 779 subjects had a follow-up after 1 year. The components of MetS (waist, blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose and triglyceride) were defined by the Program's Adult Treatment Panel III report. Exercise, sedentary time and insomnia data were obtained through self-report questionnaires. Physical fitness (body fatness, balance and hand grip strength) was measured. Two logistic regressions were computed to examine the associations of exercise/physical fitness, sedentary time and insomnia at baseline with incident MetS 1 year later. The first regression included age, sex, smoking and alcohol as covariates. The second regression was further adjusted with the components of MetS.

RESULTS

Sex, exercise/balance, sedentary time and insomnia were significant predictors of MetS. The risk of MetS incidence was 3.36 (95% CI 1.96-5.77) for women, 1.92 (95% CI 1.01-3.63) for those who did not exercise, 2.52 (95% CI 1.37-4.63) for those who sat more than 5 h/day, and 2.17 (95% CI 1.13-4.15) for those with insomnia. Poor balance was significantly associated with greater risk of MetS (AOR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12). Sex, sedentary time, insomnia and balance remained significant after adjusting with the components of MetS.

CONCLUSIONS

Cultivating exercise habits, reducing sedentary time and improving sleep quality may be important strategies for MetS prevention among older adults.

Evidence Gap on the Prevalence of Non-conventional Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes in Iran

OBJECTIVES

Robust scientific evidence exists about the role of non-conventional risk factors in type 2 diabetes worldwide. The current epidemiological pattern of the disease in Iran suggests a precipitating role for these non-conventional risk factors. This review was performed to examine the research evidence suggesting a higher prevalence of non-conventional type 2 diabetes risk factors in Iran.

METHODS

MeSH keywords were applied to search several databases, including PUBMED, MEDLINE, AMED, EMBASE, Iran DOC, and the Scientific Information Database without a time limit from inception to September 2011. The quality of the non-interventional and population-based studies on Iranians included in these databases was assessed by the authors and any disagreement was resolved with consensus.

RESULTS

The literature search yielded 1847 publications, of which 62 were included in this study after eliminating non-relevant and overlapping papers. No study was found that verified a higher prevalence of the non-conventional type 2 diabetes risk factors in the Iranian population.

CONCLUSION

The identified evidence gap about the role of prominent non-conventional risk factors of type 2 diabetes in the Iranian population could be a major caveat in the application of an evidence-based approach to endorse or reject existing hypothesis about these risk factors. Studies on the prevalence of non-conventional biomarkers of type 2 diabetes among Iranians could be a promising area of research.

Thermography applied during exercises with or without infrared light-emitting diode irradiation: individual and comparative analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to evaluate the cutaneous temperature during an exercise on a treadmill with or without infrared light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND DATA

Thermography is an imaging technique in which radiation emitted by a body in the middle and far infrared spectrum is detected and associated with the temperature of the body's surface.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighteen postmenopausal women were randomly divided into two groups: (1) the LED group, which performed the exercises on a treadmill associated with phototherapy (n=9) and; (2) the exercise group, which performed the exercises on a treadmill without additional phototherapy (n=9). The irradiation parameters for each women's thigh were: array of 2000 infrared LEDs (850 nm) with an area of 1,110 cm(2), 100 mW, 39 mW/cm(2), and 108 J/cm(2) for 45 min. The submaximal constant-speed exercise on the treadmill at intensities between 85% and 90% maximal heart rate (HRmax) with or without phototherapy were performed during 45 min, to perform the thermographic analysis. Thermography images were captured before the exercise (t=0), after 10, 35, and 45 min of exercising (t=10, t=35, and t=45) and at 5 min post-exercising (t=50).

RESULTS

The LED group showed an increased cutaneous thigh temperature during the exercise (from 33.5±0.8°C to 34.6±0.9°C, p=0.03), whereas the exercise group showed a reduced cutaneous temperature (from 33.5±0.6 to 32.7±0.7°C, p=0.02). The difference between the groups was significant (p<0.05) at t=35, t=45, and t=50.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate an improved microcirculation, and can explain one possible mechanism of action of phototherapy associated with physical exercises.

Menopause and metabolic syndrome in tunisian women

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of menopausal status on the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in Tunisian women. Methods. We analyzed a total of 2680 women aged between 35 and 70 years. Blood pressure, anthropometric indices, fasting glucose, and lipid profile were measured. The MetS was assessed by the modified NCEP-ATPIII definition. Results. The mean values of waist circumference, blood pressure, plasma lipids, and fasting glucose were significantly higher in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women, a difference that was no longer present when adjusting for age. Except for hypertriglyceridaemia, the frequency of central obesity, hyperglycemia, high blood pressure, and high total cholesterol was significantly higher in postmenopausal than in premenopausal women. After adjusting for age, the significance persisted only for hyperglycemia. The overall prevalence of MetS was 35.9%, higher in postmenopausal (45.7% versus 25.6%) than in premenopausal women. A binary logistic regression analysis showed that menopause was independently associated with MetS (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.10–1.82) after adjusting for age, residence area, marital status, family history of cardiovascular disease, education level, and occupation. Conclusions. The present study provides evidence that the MetS is highly prevalent in this group of women. Menopause can be a predictor of MetS independent of age in Tunisian women.

Effect of menopause on cardiovascular disease and its risk factors: a 9-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

To explore the cardiovascular risk attributable to menopausal status in a 9-year follow-up, population-based study.

METHOD

All middle-aged women who met our eligibility criteria were selected from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study cohort. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews, physical examination and biochemical assessments at 3-year intervals. The World Health Organization classification was used to define menopausal status. Cardiovascular events that occurred in the cohort were investigated by a panel of medical specialists.

RESULTS

Based on menopausal status, there were no significant differences in cardiovascular disease after adjustment for age, body mass index and other confounders; however, significant relationships between serum concentrations of low density cholesterol and total cholesterol and menopausal status were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Menopause, independent of other cardiovascular disease risk factors, incurred cardiometabolic risk.

Metabolic syndrome among pre- and post-menopausal rural women in Bangladesh: result from a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Prevalence of non-communicable diseases are a challenging problems among menopausal women specially in a least developed country like Bangladesh, where majority of women suffering from at least one chronic diseases after menopausal age. So, the main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and related risk factors in Bangladeshi pre- and post-menopausal women living in the rural setting.

METHODS

This study is based on a community based cross-sectional survey among 1802 rural women aged ≥15 years. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to the criteria of NCEP-ATP III. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between menopausal status and metabolic syndrome and its components.

RESULTS

Metabolic syndrome was presented in 25.6% respondents and it was more prevalent among post-menopausal (39.3%) as compared to pre-menopausal (16.8%) women. Logistic regression analysis reveals that prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 1.78 times higher in post-menopausal women than pre-menopausal women (P = 0.001). Prevalence of high blood pressure, elevated fasting blood glucose, and high triglyceride were significantly higher in post-menopausal women than pre-menopausal women (P < 0.05). However, prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly lower in post-menopausal women than pre-menopausal women (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic syndrome seems to be a major health problem among post-menopausal women in many developing countries like Bangladesh and proper policy emphasis should be given on its prevention and control.

Effects of infrared-LED illumination applied during high-intensity treadmill training in postmenopausal women

BACKGROUND DATA

Technology and physical exercise can enhance physical performance during aging.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of infrared-light-emitting diode (LED) illumination (850 nm) applied during treadmill training.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty postmenopausal women participated in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups. The LED group performed treadmill training associated with infrared-LED illumination (n=10) and the control group performed only treadmill training (n=10). The training was performed during 3 months, twice a week during 30 min at intensities between 85 and 90% of maximal heart rate. The irradiation parameters were 31 mW/cm(2), treatment time 30 min, 14,400 J of total energy and 55.8 J/cm(2) of fluence. Physiological, biomechanical, and body composition parameters were measured at the baseline and after 3 months.

RESULTS

Both groups improved the time of tolerance limit (Tlim) (p<0.05) during submaximal constant-speed testing. The peak torque did not differ between groups. However, the results showed significantly higher values of power [from 56±10 to 73±8 W (p=0.002)] and total work [from 1,537±295 to 1,760±262 J (p=0.006)] for the LED group when compared to the control group [power: from 58±14 to 60±15 W (p≥0.05) and total work: from 1,504±404 to 1,622±418 J (p≥0.05)]. The fatigue significantly increased for the control group [from 51±6 to 58±5 % (p=0.04)], but not for the LED group [from 60±10 to 60±4 % (p≥0.05)]. No significant differences in body composition were observed for either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Infrared-LED illumination associated with treadmill training can improve muscle power and delay leg fatigue in postmenopausal women.