The study had as objective to evaluate the resting energy expenditure (REE) of post-menopause women submitted to a training program with weights. Thirty women, age between 45 and 70 years (FSH > 40 mIUmL), separated in two groups (TG: training n = 15 and CG: control n = 15) were studied. The body mass index (kg/m²) was calculated and the body fat percentage and the muscular mass were determined through bioelectric impedance (BIA). The REE was obtained through indirect calorimetry (respiratory O2 and CO2) and calculated by the Weir equation. The measurement occurred after 12 hours of fasting, during 30 minutes under controlled temperature and humidity. The TG participated of the training program with weights during 16 weeks, in the frequency of three times per week. The analyzed data by the t-Student, Mann-Whitney and ANOVA tests (p < 0.05) demonstrated that the TG had body mass increased in the 1.8 kg mean, muscular mass in 2.0 kg and the REE presented increase of 8.4% in relation to the CG. In conclusion, the training with weights increased muscular mass and REE. Therefore, this kind of exercise is recommended part of strategy to revert muscular and metabolic losses derived from aging and/or menopause.
Menopause; Exercise; Resting energy expenditure
