Physical Activity and Disability Prevention in Postmenopausal Women

Physical Activity and Disability Prevention in Postmenopausal Women

The aim of this clinical study is to examine the impact of physical activity on the physical and mental health of postmenopausal women, with a particular focus on the development of disability. The main questions this study aims to answer are:

1. Can physical activity programs (Nordic walking, Bungy Pump, strength training, functional general conditioning training) prevent loss of mobility, bone density and urinary incontinence, reduce the risk of falls, lower metabolic syndrome parameters, and improve cardiovascular endurance in postmenopausal women?
2. Do regular exercises improve cognitive functions, motivation, memory, visual coordination, mood, and quality of life in postmenopausal women?

Researchers will compare the test groups (Nordic Walking, Bungy Pump, strength training, functional general conditioning training) with the control group to determine whether physical activity brings benefits in terms of physical and mental health compared to no intervention.

Participants will:

Take part in a three-month physical activity program that includes Nordic walking, Bungy Pump exercises, functional general conditioning training and strength training, depending on the group.

The control group will not participate in any additional physical exercise program and will continue with their usual daily activities.

This study will involve two testing phases (pre- and post-training). Prior to the first test, participants' physical activity will be measured over a period of seven days using POLAR accelerometers to evaluate the relationship between their daily physical activity and health. Each testing phase will last two days; on the first day, blood samples will be collected, and preliminary analyses of body composition and dietary records will be conducted. On the second day, physical fitness tests and psychological test swill be performed at the AWFiS Sports Exercise Laboratory in Gdańsk. Biological materials (serum) will be frozen and subsequently tested by contractors at the AWFiS Sports Genetics Laboratory. Participants will be required to maintain a dietary diary to record their dietary intake for the three days preceding the tests.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Postmenopausal women over 60 years old (i.e. more than 12 months since their last menstrual cycle).

There were no contraindications to exercise after case reports and initial diagnosis.

Informed consent must be signed, agreeing to participate in research and physical exercise programs.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure. Rheumatoid arthritis. Type 2 diabetes. Are taking or have used antibiotics and/or antifungal therapy in the past 4 weeks.

Unwillingness to stick to a prescribed schedule.