RecruitingACTRN12625000344493

Effect of exercise training intensity on vascular health during late perimenopause

The effect of exercise training intensity on cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular health in late perimenopausal women

Sponsor

University of Queensland

Enrollment

36 participants

Start Date

Jun 19, 2025

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

peripheral endothelial function Cerebrovascular function Menopausal symptoms

Summary

This study aims to compare the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training (4x4 HIIT: 4 x 4min at 85%-95% max HR with 3 min of rest) on brain and systemic vascular function in healthy late perimenopausal women against an energy matched moderate-intensity interval training ( 6.5x4 MIIT: 4 x 6.5min at 65%-75% max HR with 3 min of rest)) and non-exercising time control group. This will be investigated as a randomized controlled trial at the University of Queensland. In total we hope to recruit 36 participants to be randomized into either a HIIT, MIIT or a time-control group. Measures of brain and peripheral vascular function, arterial stiffness, hormone levels, vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes), cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition, will be taken prior, during, and following the intervention. We hypothesize that the HIIT group will produce the greatest improvements in cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular measures, when compared to the MIIT and time control group. The findings from this investigation will inform practitioners about how to optimise targeted exercise therapies for vascular disease prevention in women undergoing menopausal transition.

Eligibility

Sex: FemalesMin Age: 45 Yearss

Inclusion Criteria7

Are female
Are in late perimenopause (=>60 days between consecutive menstrual cycles OR
are currently experiencing hot flushes/vasomotor symptoms OR have a measured
FSH level of 25-30 IU/L taken less than 3 months ago )
Are physically able to engage in cycling exercise
Are free of any preexisting cardiovascular, respiratory, or metabolic disease.
Are not exceeding current physical activity aerobic exercise guidelines (i.e. 300 min/week of moderate-vigorous intensity exercise)

Exclusion Criteria11

Are taking hormone therapy or have taken hormone therapy in the last 3 months
Have a cognitive impairment that limits your ability to understand verbal instructions
Present with anatomical characteristics which obstruct obtaining a satisfactory ultrasound image of your brain blood vessels
Are a current smoker/vaper or have smoked or vaped in the last year
Have a history of cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack and stroke), or diagnosed diseases (e.g., angina, coronary heart disease, carotid artery stenosis, hypertension).
Have a history of respiratory disease (e.g., COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis).
Have a history of metabolic disease (e.g., diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, dyslipidemia).
Are currently taking any medications to treat diagnosed cardiovascular, respiratory or metabolic diseases (ie. statins, anti-hypertensives, diabeites medication, inhalers, etc.)
Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) =>35 kg/m2 AND a waist circumference of >88 cm
Are unable to attend the data collection study visits within the required timeframe
Are under the age of 45 at the time of enrollment

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Interventions

This study aims to compare the effects of a 3 sessions a week, 12-week high-intensity interval training (4x4 HIIT: 5 min warmup, 4 x 4min at 85%-95% max HR with 3 min of rest, 5 min cool down, total ~35 min) on brain and systemic vascular function in healthy late perimenopausal women against an energy matched moderate-intensity interval training ( 6.5x4 MIIT: 5 min warmup, 4 x 6.5min at 65%-75% max HR with 3 min of rest, 5 min cool down, total ~45 min) and non-exercising time control group. This will be investigated as a randomized controlled trial at the University of Queensland. Participants will be randomized into either a 4x4 HIIT, an energy-matched MIIT or a time-control group. Measures of brain and peripheral vascular function, arterial stiffness, hormone levels, vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes), cardiorespiratory fitness and body composition, will be taken prior, during, and following the intervention. Exercise sessions will be conducted in small groups (<=6 at a time) prescribedand supervised by at least one trained exercise physiologists at the University of Queensland. During these exercise sessions participants will only be asked to conduct the prescribed cycling exercise (HIIT and MIIT as described above). Adherance will be monitered via attendance checklists and exercise training data.