Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the psychosocial correlates of cardiorespiratory fitness ([Vdot]O2peak) and muscle strength in overweight and obese sedentary post-menopausal women. The study population consisted of 137 non-diabetic, sedentary overweight and obese post-menopausal women (mean age 57.7 years, s = 4.8; body mass index 32.4 kg • m−2, s = 4.6). At baseline we measured: (1) body composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry; (2) visceral fat using computed tomography; (3) insulin sensitivity using the hyperinsulinaemic-euglycaemic clamp; (4) cardiorespiratory fitness; (5) muscle strength using the leg press exercise; and (6) psychosocial profile (quality of life, perceived stress, self-esteem, body-esteem, and perceived risk for developing chronic diseases) using validated questionnaires. Both [Vdot]O2peak and muscle strength were significantly correlated with quality of life (r = 0.29, P < 0.01 and r = 0.30, P < 0.01, respectively), and quality of life subscales for: physical functioning (r = 0.28, P < 0.01 and r = 0.22, P < 0.05, respectively), pain (r = 0.18, P < 0.05 and r = 0.23, P < 0.05, respectively), role functioning (r = 0.20, P < 0.05 and r = 0.24, P < 0.05, respectively), and perceived risks (r = −0.24, P < 0.01 and r = −0.30, P < 0.01, respectively). In addition, [Vdot]O2peak was significantly associated with positive health perceptions, greater body esteem, and less time watching television/video. Stepwise regression analysis showed that quality of life for health perceptions and for role functioning were independent predictors of [Vdot]O2peak and muscle strength, respectively. In conclusion, higher [Vdot]O2peak and muscle strength are associated with a favourable psychosocial profile, and the psychosocial correlates of [Vdot]O2peak were different from those of muscle strength. Furthermore, psychosocial factors could be predictors of [Vdot]O2peak and muscle strength in our cohort of overweight and obese sedentary post-menopausal women. Verf.-Referat