Abstract:
The objectives of this study were to investigate bone density, body composition, blood lipids levels and VO2max of active and sedentary menopusal women. Subjects were 40 volunteers living in Saen-Suk Municipality of Amphor Muang, changwat chon Buri aged between 50-55 yrs. The subJects were divided into 2 groups of twenty; Group 1 (active with X age,height and weight= 53.05 yrs.,156.15 cm., 56.05 kg. respectively) was the group participating in aerobic exercise at least 30 minute duration 3 time per week and Group 2 ( sedentary with X age, height and weight= 53.15 yrs.,157.10 cm.,56.50 kg. respectively). Bone density was assessed by ultrasound; skinfold caliper (Lange-Cambridge Sci. Corp, U.S.A.)was used to assess amount of body fat; blood lipid assessment (TC,HDL-C) was done at Burapha University Hospital. VO2max was assessed by PWC/Ramp test. Independent T-test was used for data analysis. Significant lavel was set at .05. Results showed that 3 parameters were not statistically different.,i.e. bone density ( Group 1 BMD=-1.25_+1.7 (T-score) Group 2 BMD=-1.37_+0.92(T-score),body fat( Group 1 %FAT=25.69_+3.48 Group 2 %FAT=27.30_+4.06) and TC (Group 1 TC=217.80_+38.52 mg./dl. Group 2 TC=238.95_+41.47mg./dl. ). In contrast, HDL-C level was significantly different between the two groups Group 1 HDL-C=83.85_+14.48 mg./dl. Group 2 HDL-C=59.30_+8.77 mg./dl.). VO2max value was also significant different Group 1 VO2max =39.24_+8.23 ml./kg./min. Group 2 VO2max =28.17_+4.54 ml./kg./min.). It could be concluded that aerobic exercise had an association with higher HDL-C and VO2max as observed in active menopausal women. In addition, it was suggested that a combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercise especially resistant exercise may be helpful in promoting bone density.