A follow up evaluation of the sustainability of a 12 - week resistance training and high protein diet on body composition, strength, muscle thickness, compliance and well-being after one year on postmenopausal women

This follow-up study examines sustainable effects of a 12-week intervention combining resistance training (RT) and high-protein diet (HPD) in postmenopausal women one year after. Methods : In the original investigation (T0-T1) 55 healthy postmenopausal women (age: 58.5 ± 5.8 years) were trained. Read outs included fat-free mass (FFM), skeletal muscle mass (SMM), fat mass (FM), muscle thickness of various muscles (RF, BF, TB, BB), as well as grip strength and maximum strength in squat (BBS) and deadlift (DL). One year later same readouts we determined again in a subpopulation (n = 20, T2) A questionnaire evaluated changes in training routine, diet, and well-being between T1 and T2 Results : Between T0-T1 FFM increased significantly in group T (Training only) (+ 1.5 ± 0.8kg), SMM increased significantly in TP (Training and HPD) (+ 1.4 ± 0.9kg) and T (+ 2.71 ± 0.5kg). FM decreased in T (-6.7 ± 2.1kg). These changes also could be observed one year later at T2. Regarding muscle thickness, between T1 and T2 only TP maintained significant increase in M. rectus femoris, while both training groups maintained increases in M. biceps femoris. Improvements in grip strength were maintained in both training groups, and significant improvements in BBS and DL were also maintained in both training groups. Questionnaire analysis showed sustained training compliance in T and TP. The data demonstrate that participants in training groups (T and TP) retaining structured exercise routines and improved dietary behaviors. Conclusion : The 12-week resistance training intervention led to sustained improvements in muscular strength and muscle mass, even in participants who discontinued training post-intervention. RT effectively improves body composition and muscular strength in postmenopausal women with benefits persisting one year post-intervention, recommending it as a preventive strategy against age-related muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, and for promoting overall well-being.