Effects of a 12-week combined exercise and mediterranean-style diet intervention on body composition and functional fitness in perimenopausal women: addressing a critical transition phase

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Background and purpose Exercise and diet can promote healthy aging and functional ability, but research is limited on their combined anti-aging benefits for perimenopausal women. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of combined lifestyle interventions on functional fitness and body composition in perimenopausal women. Unlike previous studies focusing on postmenopausal or general aging populations, this trial specifically targets perimenopausal women, a critical but underexplored transition phase, providing evidence for tailored interventions during hormonal shifts. Material and methods Forty perimenopausal women aged 40-50 years were randomly assigned to two groups: the control group (A) received anti-aging dietary instructions for 12 weeks (n=20), while the study group (B) received the same anti-aging dietary instructions plus anti-aging exercise therapy (aerobic, strength, and flexibility exercises) for 12 weeks (n=20). Outcome measures included anthropometric and body composition parameters (bioelectrical impedance analysis), cardiovascular function (6-minute walk distance test (6MWD)), right and left handgrip strength (hand-held dynamometer), and flexibility (toe touch test). Result Both groups exhibited significant improvements in all outcome measures post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (p<0.05). Between-group comparisons post-intervention revealed significant improvements in the total body water (mean difference (MD) -1.78; p<0.001), total body fat (MD 1.96; p<0.001), visceral fat index (MD 1.5; p<0.001), skeletal muscle mass (MD -3.35; p<0.001), right handgrip strength (MD -4.80; p<0.001), and left handgrip strength (MD -3.05; p=0.032) in favor of the study group (B). However, there were no significant differences between the groups post-intervention in weight, body mass index, 6MWD, and distance by toe touch test (p>0.05). Conclusion Combining anti-aging exercise therapy with dietary instructions over 12 weeks significantly enhances total body water, total body fat, visceral fat index, skeletal muscle mass, and handgrip strength compared to dietary instructions alone in perimenopausal women.

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