The aim of the present study was to evaluate the physical and pulmonary function in middle-aged women with attention to menopause. Secondarily, we also studied the correlation of physical function with pulmonary function in middle-aged women.
Two hundred and thirty-nine women aged 48.91+3.97 years were recruited by purposive sampling method and depending on the menstrual history participants were classified as premenopausal (n =114) and postmenopausal (125). Peri-menopausal women, women with use of hormone replacement therapy and surgical menopause were excluded. The pulmonary function was measured using spirometer. Measurement of physical function included muscle strength (hand grip strength), cardiopulmonary endurance (6-minute walk test), balance (single leg stance) and flexibility (chair sit and reach test). The covariates studied were socioeconomic status, physical activity level and level of education.
The independent t-test revealed that pulmonary function (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEFR and MVV) , hand grip strength, 6-minute walk test, single leg stance and chair sit and reach test scores were significantly reduced in postmenopausal group. The FEV1 and FVC were reduced in women with age at menopause 46 years. Women with age at menopause >50 years were found to have obstructive pattern of impairment. Restrictive impairment was documented in women with menarche at age 13 years. The Pearson’s product–moment correlation revealed significant association of pulmonary function with physical function measures among middle-aged women.. MVV corelated significantly with hand grip strength (r=0.61) , 6- minute walk test (r=0.56), single leg stance-eye open (r=0.57), single leg stance-eye closed (r=0.53), and chair sit and reach test scores (r=0.53) among middle-aged women. Menopausal status significantly impacted the correlation of pulmonary function with physical function (p 0.05). Regression analysis also showed that the variability in pulmonary function is well explained by physical function measures among postmenopausal women.
There is a significant decline in pulmonary function and physical function among postmenopausal women. The association of pulmonary and physical function suggests that the ageing impacts both areas simultaneously; however, the relationship between pulmonary and physical function specifically in postmenopausal women highlights the impact of menopause. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address both respiratory and physical health in postmenopausal women to enhance their overall wellbeing.
The decline in pulmonary and physical function parameters along with their association suggests that healthcare providers should adopt a more integrated approach to monitor and treat this population. Routine assessments of pulmonary function and physical performance should be part of postmenopausal care to identify early signs of functional decline. More attention in research is driven towards obese and old postmenopausal women with comorbidities. Women with premature menopause, middle-aged postmenopausal women should be considered as a clinical priority group for promotion of healthy aging initiative and seeks attention.
Physical Function
Pulmonary Function
