High-intensity interval training versus hatha yoga for postmenopausal females on obesity, sarcopenia, dynapenia, lower limb alignment: study protocol for RCT

Abstract

Introduction Menopause is a challenging stage of a woman’s life, with increased occurrences of musculoskeletal issues and obesity that need to be tackled early and effectively. Less is known about the effect of HIIT & hatha yoga on musculoskeletal parameters in post-menopausal females. Both exercise approaches differ and are comparable in many ways. Thus, the objective of the study is to determine and compare the effects of 12 weeks of HIIT and yoga training protocols in postmenopausal females with central adiposity, sarcopenia, dynapenia, and knee alignment. The present research article presents a study protocol comparing yoga and HIIT protocols prescribed for postmenopausal females. Methods This is an open-label, randomised, parallel-armed, assessor-blinded clinical trial that will be conducted on 160 postmenopausal females between 46 and 70 years randomly assigned to either the HIIT or yoga group. The intervention will be in the form of group therapy for 5 sessions per week for 12 weeks. The outcomes include sarcopenia by lean muscle mass using a bioelectric impedance analyser, a radiological measure of the Hip-Knee-Ankle angle, and the perceived stress scale and 36-item short form questionnaires assessed twice (pre & post). The outcomes, including gait speed, hand grip strength, waist circumference, and body mass index, will be assessed at pre, post-4th week, post-8th week, and post-12th week. Discussion The study outcomes will provide confirmatory evidence on the effects of Hatha yoga and HIIT exercise training protocols in managing menopausal weight gain, musculoskeletal issues (sarcopenia and knee malalignment), physical and functional capacity, as well as mental health in postmenopausal females. Conclusions

Keywords

• ageing
• exercise
• high-intensity intermittent
• menopause
• alternative therapy