Treinmento de força em mulheres na pós-menopausa: impacto do volume e da intensidade sobre a recomposição corporal e o desempenho físico funcional

Abstract

Menopause is associated with sarcopenic obesity. The strength training can increase muscle mass and decrease body fat, resulting in body recomposition. This condition can be considered a therapeutic target against sarcopenic obesity. However, the most effective strength training program to optimize body recomposition in postmenopausal women remains an area of ongoing research. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether a strength training protocol with greater intensity and volume would result in greater improvements in body recomposition in postmenopausal women, and to determine whether changes in body recomposition would be associated with changes in physical-functional development and muscle strength. Thus, 43 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: I) Single set with high load (SSHL, n=14, 1 set of 8 to 12 repetitions maximum), II) Single set with low load (SSLL, n=15, 1 set of 25 to 30 repetitions maximum), and III) Multiple sets with high load (MSHL, n=14, 3-6 sets of 8 to 12 maximum repetitions). We assessment body composition using DXA, physical-functional development using Timed Up and Go and sit and stand tests, and muscle strength using 1RM test. We quantified body recomposition using a composite z-score calculated as follows: (appendicular lean mass % delta z-score) + (-1x fat mass delta % z-score) / 2. Results showed a significant improvement in physical-functional development (P<0.001), significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue, total fat mass, and % fat (P=0.003, P=0.042, and P<0.001, respectively), and increases in muscle mass and strength (P<0.001), regardless of groups. Notably, the higher intensity groups (SSHL and MSHL) had a significantly greater body recomposition compared to the low intensity group (SSLL), especially after adjusting for age, physical activity, and sitting time (P=0.028). Therefore, the intensity of strength training is a critical factor in the body recomposition of postmenopausal women. Furthermore, the positive effects of body recomposition induced by strength training extend to physical-functional development and muscle strength.