title: Physiological Responses to Indoor Versus Outdoor Training in Postmenopausal Women.
abstract: Chronic effects of two different exercise environments on self-chosen intensity and physiological adaptations were examined in postmenopausal women. Twenty-three healthy to overweight (body mass index [BMI] 22-29 kg/m2) postmenopausal women performed three weekly training sessions during 12 weeks and were assigned to either: (1) indoor training or (2) outdoor training. Body composition, metabolic profile, and physical fitness (including Vo2max, maximal strength, and endurance) were assessed pre- and postintervention. Exercise intensity was measured every week during the training. Maximum intensity decreased significantly in time only in outdoor training (p ≤ .05). Body composition and VO2max were significantly improved indoors (p ≤ .05), whereas resting blood pressure and upper body maximal strength and endurance were improved outdoors (p ≤ .05). Indoor training is associated with maintaining intensity over time and slightly higher physiological improvements than outdoor training. However, outdoor training seems promising from a long-term perspective, due to its positive effects on health parameters and exercise adherence.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Physical Activity Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada.
authors.forename: Marianne
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lacharité-Lemieux
authors.forename: Isabelle J
authors.initials: IJ
authors.lastname: Dionne
mesh_terms: D001823:Body Composition; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004777:Environment; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D017698:Postmenopause