In a new study, researchers found that interval sprinting could help reverse negative health effects of menopause in older women.
Women who took part in interval sprinting three times a week over two months gain strong health benefits.
The research was conducted by UNSW Sydney medical researchers.
Previous research has shown that for most menopausal women who are overweight and don’t exercise, menopause may bring many health risks.
For example, these women may have a decrease in muscle mass and fitness, gain more body fat, which could increase the chance of type 2 diabetes.
In the current study, the team found that interval sprinting exercise may help reverse these negative effects of menopause.
They tested two groups of overweight postmenopausal women. One group completed the exercise intervention, and the other didn’t do the exercise.
They found that doing 20 minutes of sprints on an exercise bike three times a week for eight weeks could help reverse some negative effects of menopause.
These women gained 0.7 kilograms of muscle in their legs and trunk and lost 0.4 kilograms of body fat after the exercise.
They also increased their aerobic fitness by 12%.
The team suggests that interval sprinting is an efficient exercise and women just need 8 hours of it to gain health benefits.
The finding can be generalized to women similar to those in the study, i.e. women who are sedentary, overweight and menopausal.
The researchers suggest that making the exercise a part of daily routine can bring long-term health benefits for older women.
The lead author of the study is Dr. Yati Boutcher.
The study is published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology.
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