Taekwondo Training and Postmenopausal Women With Stage-2 Hypertension

Taekwondo Training Reduces Blood Catecholamine Levels and Arterial Stiffness in Postmenopausal Women With Stage-2 Hypertension

Aging is associated with hormonal imbalances and progressive decreases in arterial health and function. It is crucial to prevent or reduce the negative effects of aging on hormonal balance and the vasculature by implementing appropriate lifestyle interventions, such as exercise training. We examined the effects of a 12-week Taekwondo training program on blood catecholamines, arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity, PWV), blood pressure (BP), resting heart rate, and muscular strength in postmenopausal women with stage 2 hypertension.

Using a parallel experimental design, participants were randomly assigned to either a Taekwondo exercise training group (n=10) or non-exercising control group (n=10) for 12 weeks.

Participant in the Taekwondo training group trained 3 days/week for 60 minutes per session, and the intensity progressed weekly. Participants in the control group performed no exercise intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be diagnosed with stage-2 hypertension
• Be postmenopausal
• Be between 65 and 85 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known cardiovascular, metabolic or renal diseases
• Physical limitations that prohibit exercise
• Participates in regular exercise