更年期女性の運動参加に関する研究第1報 : 12ヶ月間の運動継続による自覚症状・体格・日常活動量の変化  [in Japanese] How Exercises Work For Menopausal Women (Part 1)  [in Japanese]

This study investigated how 10 Menopausal Women (47-58 years old) short of physical exercise changed with regard to subjectively perceived symptoms, body shape, bone volume and daily activity after joining a conscious sports club for 12 months. 1. Among 28 entries, of subjective symptoms checked, eyestrain, lumber pain, shoulder stiffness, laps of memory and fatigability were not able before the experimental period after 1 year, some symptoms improved , such as shoulder stiffness, lumber pain, hands-and feet coldness, depression and laps of memory. 2. Among 18 measurements of body shape we checked, significant average decreases of -2.03 cm in chest measurement and -2.66 cm in waist measurement recorded. 3. Before the survey, the average number of daily steps taken was 6.737 : after that it increased to 8.748. 4. No clear differences of bone volume or density estimate were observed by ultrasound diagnosis. 5. After the 12 months training, their negative perception of menopause such as "the hard time has as soon come" and "defeminization" decreased and they came to feel positively about in comments such as "my free time," "the time to check my health," "my second life" : their sense of menopause changed. Our survey proved how physical exercise works effectively for menopausal women. Gymnastic exercises such as tensing and relaxing the muscles, especially for joints which improves blood circulation and decreases and by improving posture and body shape. In addition, the volition for social activities increases because they become more lively than before. They enjoy group activities there, which make them feel comfortable and provide them with incentive to live. These results suggest that it is important for menopausal women to do physical exercises enthusiastically in order to improve their quality of life.