Response of the Resting Metabolic Rate after 16 Weeks of Resistance Training in Postmenopausal Women

Introduction: The physical changes from menopause such as decrease in lean mass (LM), growth and redistribution of body fat and decrease in resting energy expenditure, contribute to the increase in body size and subsequent increase in total body mass. Accordingly, the recognized benefits of resistance training (RT) are not only linked to increased strength and muscle hypertrophy, but also to body composition and consequently to the resting metabolic rate (RMR). Objective: To evaluate the RMR response after 16 weeks of RT in postmenopausal women. Methods: 28 female volunteers subdivided into two groups participated in the study: training (TG n = 17) and control (CG n = 11). The RT program was conducted in three weekly sessions, on alternate days and lasted approximately 60 min/session during 16 weeks. Load intensity was determined by means of target area of maximum repetitions, with weekly load readjustment. The oxygen consumption ( O2) and carbon dioxide production ( CO2), using open circuit indirect calorimetry was used to calculate the RMR according to Weir equation (1949). Statistical analysis: statistical package Bioestat, version 5.0, with a significance level of p <0.05 was used. Results: There was significant increase of the LM values and muscle strength in TG only. No significant differences were found for the RMR values after intervention for both groups. Conclusion: The RT program of 16 weeks was effective in promoting changes in body composition and muscle strength in postmenopausal women; nevertheless, there was not change in RMR after intervention.