The Effects of 6-Month Aqua Aerobics Training on Cardiometabolic Parameters in Perimenopausal Women—A Randomized Controlled Trial

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Perimenopause begins on average four years before a woman’s last menses. At the end of this time, oestrogen levels drop, which leads to physiological and anatomical changes which have a significant impact on the quality of life. Increase in the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) during the sixth decade of life can be explained by not only oestrogen deprivation, but also an effect on the lipid profile. A study showed that in healthy women, total cholesterol levels increase on average by 25 mg/dL (14%) and the levels of LDL cholesterol increase on average by 20 mg/dL (19%) from 4 years before to 1 year after menopause, which results in a greater atherogenic profile in postmenopausal women. Heart failure (HF) and cardiovascular disease, the risk of which increases during perimenopause, are not considered isolated conditions, but rather complex systemic disorders. Engaging in the amount of moderate physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) helps reduce the risk of death and adverse health events. Regular physical activity reduces body weight, improves cardiopulmonary fitness, and reduces inflammation. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a 6-month aqua aerobics programme on cardiometabolic (anthropometric and biochemical) parameters in perimenopausal women. ABSTRACT: Background: Menopause is a time when women experience a number of physiological and anatomical changes resulting from a decline in ovarian function. It can be concluded that cardiovascular disease increases in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, irrespective of age-related changes. Engaging in the amount of moderate physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization helps reduce the risk of death and adverse health events. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a 6-month aqua aerobics programme on cardiometabolic (anthropometric and biochemical) parameters in perimenopausal women. Methods: In this study, 30 women (control group—16, study group—14) participated in the 6-month aqua aerobics training programme. The mean age of women was 47.67 ± 6.79 year and BMI 26.33 ± 3.64 kg/m(2). At the beginning and at the end of the study, anthropometric and blood samples analysis were performed. In the blood, lipid profile, morphotic elements were determined. Body composition, waist–hip ratio (WHR), visceral adiposity index (VAI), blood pressure (BP) were measured. Results: The aqua aerobics programme resulted in a significant decrease in the WHR (p < 0.05; ES: 2.143), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p < 0.05; ES: 1.005), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PRL) (p < 0.05; ES: 0.460) and an increase in haemoglobin (HGB) concentration (p < 0.05; ES: 0.643). Conclusions: The type of physical activity described in the present study is a great way for perimenopausal women to take care of their overall well-being. The reduction in selected cardiometabolic parameters is important from the point of view of the protection of women’s health.