Effects of a Multicomponent Exercise Program Incorporating Waltz Dance on Postmenopausal Women With Dyslipidemia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Launched by GDANSK UNIVERSITY OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT · May 15, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a special exercise program that combines Waltz dance, strength exercises, and balance training on postmenopausal women who have high cholesterol or other lipid issues, known as dyslipidemia. Over 12 weeks, participants will attend exercise sessions three times a week, each lasting about 90 minutes. The researchers want to see if this program can lower harmful blood lipid levels, improve body composition, and enhance overall health, including fitness, balance, mental well-being, and thinking skills compared to women who do not participate in the exercise program.

To be eligible for this trial, women must be aged 65 or younger and have experienced natural menopause. They should also have specific cholesterol levels indicating dyslipidemia and should not have any serious health conditions that would prevent them from exercising safely. Participants will go through assessments before and after the program to measure changes in their health, including blood tests and fitness evaluations. If you or someone you know fits these criteria and is interested in improving health through exercise, this trial could be an exciting opportunity!

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age: Postmenopausal women aged ≤65 years at the time of enrollment.
• • 2. Menopausal Status: Natural menopause defined as spontaneous cessation of menstruation for ≥12 consecutive months, excluding menopause due to pathological or surgical causes (e.g., oophorectomy, thyroid disorders).
• 3. Dyslipidemia: Presence of one or more of the following lipid abnormalities:
• • High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) \< 1.04 mmol/L Triglycerides (TG) ≥ 1.7 mmol/L Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥ 3.0 mmol/L Total cholesterol (TC) ≥ 5.18 mmol/L
• • 4. Obesity or Sarcopenic Tendency: Body fat percentage \> 30%, as measured by validated body composition analyzer.
• • 5. Physical Capability: No musculoskeletal injuries, physical disabilities, or contraindications to exercise. Participants must be cleared using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q).
• • 6. Sedentary Lifestyle: Engaging in structured physical activity ≤3 times per week, with each session lasting ≤20 minutes, in the last 6 months.
• • 7. No Recent Weight Control Interventions: No use of weight-loss supplements or engagement in intentional weight loss through diet or exercise in the past year.
• • 8. Voluntary Participation: Willingness to participate in the study and provide written informed consent (Informed Consent Form, ICF).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Metabolic or Endocrine Disorders: History of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, untreated or unstable thyroid dysfunction, Cushing's syndrome, or other serious endocrine diseases.
• • 2. Cardiovascular Disease: Uncontrolled hypertension, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, or a history of myocardial infarction or stroke within the past 6 months.
• • 3. Severe Respiratory Conditions: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, or any condition significantly limiting exercise tolerance.
• • 4. Neurological Disorders: Parkinson's disease, post-stroke sequelae, moderate to severe cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's disease.
• • 5. Inflammatory or Autoimmune Diseases: Active rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, or other chronic inflammatory conditions.
• • 6. Cancer: Diagnosis of any malignancy within the past 5 years.
• • 7. Musculoskeletal Limitations: Diagnosed severe osteoporosis or a history of falls or fractures within the past 6 months.
• • 8. Extremes of Body Mass Index (BMI): BMI ≥35 kg/m² or \<18.5 kg/m².
• • 9. Substance Use: Current drug abuse, heavy alcohol consumption (defined as \>70 g alcohol/week), or heavy smoking (≥10 cigarettes/day) that cannot be reduced during the study period.
• • 10. Dietary Extremes: Strict vegetarian, ketogenic, or other extreme dietary patterns that may affect metabolic outcomes.
• 11. Medications:
• • Current hormone replacement therapy (e.g., estrogen, testosterone). Use of antidepressants in the past 6 months. Regular use of medications affecting lipid metabolism, bone health, or cardiovascular function (e.g., aspirin, statins, antihypertensive or antidiabetic drugs).
• • 12. Recent Structured Exercise: Participation in structured dance, resistance, or agility training within the past 12 months.