Effects Of 24-weeks Aerobic-Resistance And Yoga-Resistance Training On Bone Density And Aerobic Fitness In Postmenopausal Women

PURPOSE It examined the effects of 24-weeks Aerobic-Resistance Exercise and Yoga-Resistance Exercise on lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and aerobic fitness (AF) in Postmenopausal Women (PMW). METHODS 19 of none regular exercise PMW who didn't receive hormone replacement therapy as the subjects. Their mean age, weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were 51.47+/− 4.25 yrs, 57.55+/− 5.86 kg, 1.55+/−0.04 m, and 24.12+/− 2.53, respectively. Subjects were divided into 2 experimental groups (EX1 and EX2) and control group (CON). EX1 and EX2 subjects both received 3 times a week, 1hr each time training for 24 weeks and CON receive no training. Each session, EX1 included 30 minutes bench-stepping aerobic exercise (intensity about 70–80% Maximal Heart Rate) and 30 minutes resistance exercise; while EX2 subjects received 30 minutes Yoga exercise (intensity about 50–60% maximal heart rate) and 30 minutes resistance exercise. The average attending rates of the experimental groups were 97.90 %. The lumbar BMD used by DEXA (QMD-4500, Hologic) and the 6-minute walk test were measured prior, 12 and 24 weeks during the training program. The collected data were analyzed with two ways ANCOVA. RESULTS Both experimental groups enhanced BMD significantly (p < .05) than CON at 24 week, and improve aerobic fitness significant (p<.05) after 12 weeks training. However, both BMD and aerobic fitness were no difference between experimental groups. CONCLUSIONS A 24-week aerobic-resistance exercise and yoga-resistance exercise significantly continuing improves aerobic fitness and maintain BMD in PMW.