Hiral Modi, Neeta Vyas, Megha Sheth
ABSTRACT
Introduction:Menopause is best defined as the absence of menses for 12 consecutive months. It is associated with atherogenic changes, including a worsening of cardiovascular disease and decreased aerobic fitness compared with premenopausal women. Low levels of aerobic capacity are independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.So the aim of the study was to assess and compare the aerobic capacity using 6 minute walk distance between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Method: A comparative study was conducted in Ahmedabad with40 women aged between 35-55 years divided into Group A (Pre-menopausal group) and group B (Post-menopausal). Subjects were asked to perform 6 minute walk test. Pre and post Heart rate, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, Borg scale of perceived exertion were recorded of subjects6 minute walk distance and VO2max were calculated of all subjects. Level of significance was kept at 5%.
Result: The mean VO2max for group A was 18.30ml/kg/min and for group B was 13.51ml/kg/min. Between groups analysis for mean difference in VO2max was done using Mann Whitney U test showed significant difference (U=0.500, p=0.001).
Conclusion: There is difference in aerobic capacity between pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women.
Key Words: Aerobic capacity, Pre-menopause, Post-menopause, 6 minute walk test, VO2max.