Increased and sustained physical activity in postmenopausal women: 2-year follow-up of a resistance training intervention

Objectives

To assess whether levels of physical activity can be modified and sustained for 2 years in postmenopausal women with initially low physical activity levels participating in a randomised controlled trial.

Study design

Postmenopausal women with vasomotor symptoms and low activity levels were randomised to a 15-week supervised full-body resistance training program three times/week or a control group maintaining low activity. After the intervention, controls were offered an introductory resistance training session and 15-week gym membership. Both groups received informative and encouraging emails every six months during 2-year follow-up.

Main outcome

Change in level of physical activity.

Measures

Physical activity was assessed via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ) at baseline, 15 weeks, six months, and two years. Data were analysed with Wilcoxon's signed rank, Friedman, and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results

Of 65 women randomised, 58 (89 %) completed the 2-year follow-up study. At baseline, 21 in the intervention and 15 in the control group were inactive according to IPAQ scores. After two years, this was reduced to four in each group (14 % and 16 %, respectively). Both groups significantly increased moderate to vigorous activity from baseline to two years (intervention group: median 0 to 180 min, p < 0.001; control group: median 0 to 125 min, p = 0.004).

Conclusions

Both groups significantly increased their level of physical activity (intervention group during the 15-week intervention, control group between 15-week and 6-month follow-ups) and maintained this for two years. A resistance training session, gym membership, training diary, and supportive emails form a feasible strategy to improve physical activity among postmenopausal women with low activity levels.