Biochemical Changes in Postmenopausal Women Following a Muscle Fitness Program

Abstract

In brief: Twelve postmenopausal women attended an exercise class for 50 minutes three times a week, for eight weeks, while ten control subjects maintained sedentary routines. All subjects were assessed for serum calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase, and for urinary calcium, phosphorus, and hydroxyproline before and after the training period. The exercise group had higher serum alkaline phosphatase (p <.05) and lower serum calcium (p <.05) than the controls. Urinary hydroxyproline was not significantly different between groups. The results indicate that a muscle fitness exercise program may positively alter serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase in early postmenopausal women.