Effect of combined circuit exercise on arterial stiffness in hypertensive postmenopausal women: a local public health center-based pilot study

This study examined the effect of combined circuit exercise on arterial stiffness in hypertensive postmenopausal women. Furthermore, it ascertained whether performing this exercise program is feasible in local public health centers with better accessibility than research and commercial facilities. Methods: Among 24 hypertensive postmenopausal women, 16 finished this study in either the control (n = 8) or exercise (n = 8) group. Except for one participant who withdrew from the study due to the difficulty of the exercise program, seven participants withdrew due to reasons unrelated to the study. Circuit-type exercise (aerobic- and resistance-combined) program was applied to the exercise group, 60 min/d and 3 d/wk for 12 weeks under supervision. Brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity was measured to assess arterial stiffness. Results: In response to the combined exercise, brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity was significantly reduced in the hypertensive women (−0.7 m/s; P 
Source: Menopause - Category: OBGYN Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research