Effects of a Recreational Team Handball-based Programme on Health and Physical Fitness of Postmenopausal Women

Effects of a Short- and Long-term Team Handball-based Exercise Programme on Physical Fitness and Health Status of Inactive Postmenopausal Women

This study aimed at determining the short- (16 weeks) and long-term (36 weeks) health and physical fitness effects and adherence of recreational team handball training for postmenopausal women without previous experience with the sport.

The investigators hypothesized that short-term recreational team handball training would result in positive health and physical fitness adaptations and that the health and physical fitness improvements achieved after the first 16 weeks would be maintained or further improved at the long-term. Moreover, the investigators also hypothesized that the adherence to this exercise mode would be maintained throughout the 36 weeks (long-term) compared to the first 16 weeks (short-term).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inactive postmenopausal women aged +55 years or younger if with menopause for at least 3 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any medical contraindications to perform moderate-to-vigorous physical activity