MAXIMAL EXERCISE TESTING AS IT ELICITS A VARIED CARDIOVASCULAR RESPONSE IN PERIMENOPAUSAL WOMEN DURING PROLIFERATIVE PHASE OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE

Abstract

Background: The role of hormones on lung function tests was well‑known in the normal course of the menstrual cycle. Significant increase in both progesterone (37%) and estradiol (13.5%), but no change in plasma follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone was observed in exercising women in previous studies. Therefore, this study was intended to see the limitations of the cardiovascular system in adaptability to exercise in proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle in perimenopausal obese woman. Methods: Healthy young adult females between 42 and 45 years who regularly undergo training and participate in competitive middle distance running events for at least past 3 years were considered in the control, whereas the study group, consisting of obese women did not have any such regular exercise program. The two groups were in perimenopausal age group. They were made to undergo maximal treadmill testing. Results: It was observed that exercise per se does not cause a statistically significant change in cardiovascular function parameters but Maximum oxygen pulse is an index representing both stroke and A-V oxygen difference. A higher value in those exercising regularly suggests that training increases both stroke volume and average A-V oxygen differences. Conclusion: This finding supports the hypothesis that the cardiovascular system is not normally the most limiting factor in the delivery of oxygen even under the predominant influence of oestrogen in proliferative phase, which is further accentuated by exercise.

Keywords: Cardiovascular adaptability, oestrogen in exercise, obese, Heart rate, Stroke volume.

Pak J Physiol 2017;13(2):44–5