Investigation of the effect of HIIt and strength exercises on some physiological characteristics and quality of life in postmenopaus women

The aim of our research is to determine whether speed and strength exercises have effects on some physiological characteristics and quality of life in postmenopausal women. 36 volunteer postmenopausal women (exercise strength group n=12 people, exercise HIIT group n=12 people, control group n=12 people) were included in our study. In the study, 60-minute of exercise was applied three days a week for eight weeks. Participants filled out the 'Voluntary Informed Consent Form' and 'Personal Demographic Information Form (age, height, body weight, cigarette alcohol use, education status)'. Pre- and post-tests were applied to the control and exercise groups before and after the study. These tests; 'Physiological Measurement Tests (Flexibility test, hand grip strength measurement, Back and Leg Strength measurement, Body mass index, body bone mass and muscle mass measurements)' were applied. "Menopausal Symptoms Assessment Scale (MSDS)" scale was used to evaluate menopausal symptoms. "Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Scale" was implemented to measure menopause-specific quality of life. The descriptive characteristics of the employees participating in the research were determined. As a result of the normality test, it was determined that the data showed a normal distribution. Differences between the proportions of categorical variables in independent groups were analyzed with Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare quantitative continuous data between three independent groups. The repeated measures Anova test was used to compare within-group measurements. The significance level was accepted as p<0.05. As a result of this study, when the physiological measurements were evaluated, the strength exercise group had a greater effect on hand strength, BMI, flexibility, body weight, muscle mass and fat mass. Strength and HIIT exercise groups were found to be equally effective in the development of bone mass and back strength. When evaluated from a psychological perspective; in the Menopausal Symptoms Assessment Scale, the HIIT exercise group was found to be more effective in reducing symptoms. In improving the quality of life of the participants, it was found that the strength exercise group was more effective in terms of vasomotor and sexual symptoms, and HIIT and strength exercises were equally effective in improving the psychosocial and physical symptoms. According to these results; HIIT and Strength exercises appear to have positive effects on the physiological, and quality of life of postmenopausal women.