Effect of Multimodal Exercises on Functional Capacity, Hand Grip Strength, and Pulmonary Function among Middle-aged Postmenopausal Women: A Quasi-experimental Preliminary Study.

Abstract

Background: Pulmonary and physical functions are associated with menopausal status. The exercise recommendations have been described, however, there is a dearth of literature proposing the benefit of these exercises for improving pulmonary and physical function among postmenopausal women.

Objective: The study aimed to explore the effect of multimodal exercises on functional capacity, hand grip strength (HGS), and pulmonary function among middle-aged postmenopausal women.

Materials and methods: Twelve postmenopausal women with a median age of 52.50 years were recruited by purposive sampling for this single group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental preliminary study. The outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks and included 6-min walk test (6MWT), HGS, and pulmonary function measures: forced expiratory volume in 1^st s (FEV1) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV). The multimodal exercise intervention was given for 8 weeks at a frequency of three times a week.

Results: The Wilcoxon Signed-rank test showed that 6MWT (P = 0.002), dominant HGS (P = 0.002), nondominant HGS (P = 0.003), FEV₁ (P = 0.004), and MVV (0.002) showed statistically significant improvement with multimodal exercise protocol. The P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Conclusion: The multimodal exercise protocol has significant benefits in improving the functional capacity, HGS, and pulmonary function among postmenopausal women, however, larger experimental trials are warranted.