Effects of swimming exercise on maximal aerobic capacity and serum lipid and lipoprotein profile of postmenopausal women

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of long-term swimming exercise on maximal aerobic capacity and serum lipid and lipoprotein profile of postmenopausal women.

Methods

The subjects were separated into the training group（n=10, age: 58±6yrs, BMI: 22.9±2.5kg/m2, VO2max: 29.3±3.0ml/kg/min）and the holding group（n=10, age: 58±5yrs, BMI: 23.5±2.5kg/m2, VO2max: 28.1±4.0ml/kg/min）

Results

No change in BMI was observed in the two groups. In the 2-year follow up, VO2max in the training group was significantly increased -- more than that in the holding group（32.9±4.5ml/kg/min VS 28.3±4.8ml/kg/min，p<0.05）. No change occurred in concentrations of T-C（T-C：Total-Cholesterol）, HDL-C(HDL-C: HDL-Cholesterol), LDL-C (LDL-C: LDL-Cholesterol), and TG (Tri-glyceride) in the training group in comparison with that in the holding group.

Conclusions
Although a long-term swimming program can increase maximal aerobic capacity, the concentrations in serum lipid and
lipoprotein can not be significantly improved for postmenopausal women.

References

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