Menopause Archives - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(9):404-409
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320140005073
To evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of functional training on body composition in postmenopausal women.
The study was conducted on 38 postmenopausal women, divided into two groups: Training Group (TG) and Control Group (CG). TG women (n=21) performed a program of physical exercise for a period of 8 weeks, 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days, with 90 minutes per session. For the same period, CG women (n=17) did not perform any systematic physical activity. All participants were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. The evaluations were performed by the same trained raters. Analysis of body composition was performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), which allows estimation of body composition in the whole body and by segment. TG participants performed a functional exercise program 3 days a week (non-consecutive), with 11 stations consisting of exercises developed in circuit format sessions. The objectives of the exercises were the development of strength, agility, coordination and proprioception, followed by aerobic exercise (walking). After normality of the data was determined by the Shapiro-Wilk test (p<0.05), we applied the Student t-test for independent samples to check for possible differences in anthropometric variables and body composition between groups at both times of intervention (pre and post-test). All analyses were performed using the SPSS software v. 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) with the level of significance set at 5%.
At baseline, no significant difference was observed between groups regarding anthropometric body variables or age composition, indicating homogeneity of the groups. After 8 weeks of training, significant differences were observed between TG and CG regarding fat - CG=0.2±0.7 and TG=-0.4±0.5, total body fat (kg) - CG=0.2±1.3 and TG=-0.7±0.8, and total weight - CG=0.4±1.4 and TG=-0.6±1.1. Percent body fat was reduced in terms of absolute values, although without significance: CG=0.1±1.5 and TG=-0.8±1.5.
Functional training in circuit format can be used as a strategy to alter body composition in postmenopausal women, particularly in terms of reduction of adipose tissue. This is a model that promotes high adhesion on the part of the participants, suggesting that it is an attractive proposal for the investigated age group.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(9):404-409
DOI 10.1590/SO100-720320140005073
To evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of functional training on body composition in postmenopausal women.
The study was conducted on 38 postmenopausal women, divided into two groups: Training Group (TG) and Control Group (CG). TG women (n=21) performed a program of physical exercise for a period of 8 weeks, 3 times a week on nonconsecutive days, with 90 minutes per session. For the same period, CG women (n=17) did not perform any systematic physical activity. All participants were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks. The evaluations were performed by the same trained raters. Analysis of body composition was performed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), which allows estimation of body composition in the whole body and by segment. TG participants performed a functional exercise program 3 days a week (non-consecutive), with 11 stations consisting of exercises developed in circuit format sessions. The objectives of the exercises were the development of strength, agility, coordination and proprioception, followed by aerobic exercise (walking). After normality of the data was determined by the Shapiro-Wilk test (p<0.05), we applied the Student t-test for independent samples to check for possible differences in anthropometric variables and body composition between groups at both times of intervention (pre and post-test). All analyses were performed using the SPSS software v. 17.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) with the level of significance set at 5%.
At baseline, no significant difference was observed between groups regarding anthropometric body variables or age composition, indicating homogeneity of the groups. After 8 weeks of training, significant differences were observed between TG and CG regarding fat - CG=0.2±0.7 and TG=-0.4±0.5, total body fat (kg) - CG=0.2±1.3 and TG=-0.7±0.8, and total weight - CG=0.4±1.4 and TG=-0.6±1.1. Percent body fat was reduced in terms of absolute values, although without significance: CG=0.1±1.5 and TG=-0.8±1.5.
Functional training in circuit format can be used as a strategy to alter body composition in postmenopausal women, particularly in terms of reduction of adipose tissue. This is a model that promotes high adhesion on the part of the participants, suggesting that it is an attractive proposal for the investigated age group.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(7):315-319
DOI 10.159/S0100-720320140004977
To analyze associations between mammographic arterial mammary calcifications in menopausal women and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
This was a cross-sectional retrospective study, in which we analyzed the mammograms and medical records of 197 patients treated between 2004 and 2005. Study variables were: breast arterial calcifications, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and hypertension. For statistical analysis, we used the Mann-Whitney, χ2 and Cochran-Armitage tests, and also evaluated the prevalence ratios between these variables and mammary artery calcifications. Data were analyzed with the SAS version 9.1 software.
In the group of 197 women, there was a prevalence of 36.6% of arterial calcifications on mammograms. Among the risk factors analyzed, the most frequent were hypertension (56.4%), obesity (31.9%), smoking (15.2%), and diabetes (14.7%). Acute coronary syndrome and stroke presented 5.6 and 2.0% of prevalence, respectively. Among the mammograms of women with diabetes, the odds ratio of mammary artery calcifications was 2.1 (95%CI 1.0-4.1), with p-value of 0.02. On the other hand, the mammograms of smokers showed the low occurrence of breast arterial calcification, with an odds ratio of 0.3 (95%CI 0.1-0.8). Hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, stroke and acute coronary syndrome were not significantly associated with breast arterial calcification.
The occurrence of breast arterial calcification was associated with diabetes mellitus and was negatively associated with smoking. The presence of calcification was independent of the other risk factors for cardiovascular disease analyzed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(7):315-319
DOI 10.159/S0100-720320140004977
To analyze associations between mammographic arterial mammary calcifications in menopausal women and risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
This was a cross-sectional retrospective study, in which we analyzed the mammograms and medical records of 197 patients treated between 2004 and 2005. Study variables were: breast arterial calcifications, stroke, acute coronary syndrome, age, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and hypertension. For statistical analysis, we used the Mann-Whitney, χ2 and Cochran-Armitage tests, and also evaluated the prevalence ratios between these variables and mammary artery calcifications. Data were analyzed with the SAS version 9.1 software.
In the group of 197 women, there was a prevalence of 36.6% of arterial calcifications on mammograms. Among the risk factors analyzed, the most frequent were hypertension (56.4%), obesity (31.9%), smoking (15.2%), and diabetes (14.7%). Acute coronary syndrome and stroke presented 5.6 and 2.0% of prevalence, respectively. Among the mammograms of women with diabetes, the odds ratio of mammary artery calcifications was 2.1 (95%CI 1.0-4.1), with p-value of 0.02. On the other hand, the mammograms of smokers showed the low occurrence of breast arterial calcification, with an odds ratio of 0.3 (95%CI 0.1-0.8). Hypertension, obesity, diabetes mellitus, stroke and acute coronary syndrome were not significantly associated with breast arterial calcification.
The occurrence of breast arterial calcification was associated with diabetes mellitus and was negatively associated with smoking. The presence of calcification was independent of the other risk factors for cardiovascular disease analyzed.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(6):251-258
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004976
To assess the effects of a soy dietary supplement on the main biomarkers of cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women compared with the effects of low-dose hormone therapy (HT) and placebo.
Double-blind, randomized and controlled intention-to-treat trial. Sixty healthy postmenopausal women, aged 40-60 years, 4.1 years mean time since menopause were recruited and randomly assigned to 3 groups: a soy dietary supplement group (isoflavone 90mg), a low-dose HT group (estradiol 1 mg plus noretisterone 0.5 mg) and a placebo group. Lipid profile, glucose level, body mass index, blood pressure and abdominal/hip ratio were evaluated in all the participants at baseline and after 16 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed using the χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired Student's t-test and Wilcoxon test.
After a 16-week intervention period, total cholesterol decreased 11.3% and LDL-cholesterol decreased 18.6% in the HT group, but both did not change in the soy dietary supplement and placebo groups. Values for triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, glucose level, body mass index, blood pressure and abdominal/hip ratio did not change over time in any of the three groups.
The use of dietary soy supplement did not show any significant favorable effect on cardiovascular health biomarkers compared with HT. Clinical Trial Registry: The trial is registered at the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos - ReBEC), number RBR-76mm75.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(6):251-258
DOI 10.1590/S0100-720320140004976
To assess the effects of a soy dietary supplement on the main biomarkers of cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women compared with the effects of low-dose hormone therapy (HT) and placebo.
Double-blind, randomized and controlled intention-to-treat trial. Sixty healthy postmenopausal women, aged 40-60 years, 4.1 years mean time since menopause were recruited and randomly assigned to 3 groups: a soy dietary supplement group (isoflavone 90mg), a low-dose HT group (estradiol 1 mg plus noretisterone 0.5 mg) and a placebo group. Lipid profile, glucose level, body mass index, blood pressure and abdominal/hip ratio were evaluated in all the participants at baseline and after 16 weeks. Statistical analyses were performed using the χ2 test, Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired Student's t-test and Wilcoxon test.
After a 16-week intervention period, total cholesterol decreased 11.3% and LDL-cholesterol decreased 18.6% in the HT group, but both did not change in the soy dietary supplement and placebo groups. Values for triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, glucose level, body mass index, blood pressure and abdominal/hip ratio did not change over time in any of the three groups.
The use of dietary soy supplement did not show any significant favorable effect on cardiovascular health biomarkers compared with HT. Clinical Trial Registry: The trial is registered at the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos - ReBEC), number RBR-76mm75.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(4):176-181
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400040003
To determine the relationship between total body and trunk fat mass and gait performance in postmenopausal women.
Thirty-nine postmenopausal women aged 50 years or more were studied. The following items were determined: weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI), body composition using the technique of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), and gait using baropodometry. The body composition variables used were total body fat, percent body fat and trunk fat, while the gait variables were percent double stance time and single stance time and gait speed. The women were divided into two groups according to the median for each body composition variable: less and more body fat, less and more percent body fat and less and more trunk fat. To compare the gait variables between groups, we used the Mann-Whitney test. To evaluate the possible relationships between body composition variables and gait variables, we used the Spearman correlation test. All analyses were performed with the level of significance set at 5%.
The group with more trunk fat showed longer double stance time (p=0.007) and lower values of single stance time (0.033) than the group with less trunk fat. We found significant and positive correlations between trunk fat and double stance time (R=0.40) and negative correlations between trunk fat and single stance time (R=-0.32).
Postmenopausal women with a greater amount of trunk fat tended to have impaired gait performance.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2014;36(4):176-181
DOI 10.1590/S0100-7203201400040003
To determine the relationship between total body and trunk fat mass and gait performance in postmenopausal women.
Thirty-nine postmenopausal women aged 50 years or more were studied. The following items were determined: weight and height to calculate body mass index (BMI), body composition using the technique of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA), and gait using baropodometry. The body composition variables used were total body fat, percent body fat and trunk fat, while the gait variables were percent double stance time and single stance time and gait speed. The women were divided into two groups according to the median for each body composition variable: less and more body fat, less and more percent body fat and less and more trunk fat. To compare the gait variables between groups, we used the Mann-Whitney test. To evaluate the possible relationships between body composition variables and gait variables, we used the Spearman correlation test. All analyses were performed with the level of significance set at 5%.
The group with more trunk fat showed longer double stance time (p=0.007) and lower values of single stance time (0.033) than the group with less trunk fat. We found significant and positive correlations between trunk fat and double stance time (R=0.40) and negative correlations between trunk fat and single stance time (R=-0.32).
Postmenopausal women with a greater amount of trunk fat tended to have impaired gait performance.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(11):497-502
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013001100004
PURPOSE: To analyze the prevalence of and factors associated with fragility fractures in Brazilian women aged 50 years and older. METHODS: This cross-sectional population survey, conducted between May 10 and October 31, 2011, included 622 women aged >50 years living in a city in southeastern Brazil. A questionnaire was administered to each woman by a trained interviewer. The associations between the occurrence of a fragility fracture after age 50 years and sociodemographic data, health-related habits and problems, self-perception of health and evaluation of functional capacity were determined by the χ2 test and Poisson regression using the backward selection criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of the 622 women was 64.1 years. The prevalence of fragility fractures was 10.8%, with 1.8% reporting hip fracture. In the final statistical model, a longer time since menopause (PR 1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.05; p<0.01) and osteoporosis (PR 1.97; 95%CI 1.27-3.08; p<0.01) were associated with a higher prevalence of fractures. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may provide a better understanding of the risk factors associated with fragility fractures in Brazilian women and emphasize the importance of performing bone densitometry.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(11):497-502
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013001100004
PURPOSE: To analyze the prevalence of and factors associated with fragility fractures in Brazilian women aged 50 years and older. METHODS: This cross-sectional population survey, conducted between May 10 and October 31, 2011, included 622 women aged >50 years living in a city in southeastern Brazil. A questionnaire was administered to each woman by a trained interviewer. The associations between the occurrence of a fragility fracture after age 50 years and sociodemographic data, health-related habits and problems, self-perception of health and evaluation of functional capacity were determined by the χ2 test and Poisson regression using the backward selection criteria. RESULTS: The mean age of the 622 women was 64.1 years. The prevalence of fragility fractures was 10.8%, with 1.8% reporting hip fracture. In the final statistical model, a longer time since menopause (PR 1.03; 95%CI 1.01-1.05; p<0.01) and osteoporosis (PR 1.97; 95%CI 1.27-3.08; p<0.01) were associated with a higher prevalence of fractures. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may provide a better understanding of the risk factors associated with fragility fractures in Brazilian women and emphasize the importance of performing bone densitometry.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(11):490-496
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013001100003
PURPOSE: It was to evaluate the frequency and the risk factors of falls in early postmenopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 358 women (age: 45-65 years and amenorrhea >12 months) with time since menopause <10 years. Exclusion criteria were: neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, vestibulopathies, uncorrected visual deficit, uncontrolled hypertension and postural hypotension, or drug use (sedative and hypnotic agents). A fall was identified as an unexpected unintentional change in position which causes an individual to remain in a lower level in relation to the initial position. The history of self-reported falls during the previous 24 months, and clinical and anthropometric data (body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)) and bone densitometric measures were analyzed. For statistical analysis, c² trend test and the logistic regression method (odds ratio (OR)) were used for the comparison between groups of women with and without falls. RESULTS: Of the 358 women, 48.0% (172/358) had a history of falls and 17.4% (30/172) had fractures. The fall occurred indoors (at home) in 58.7% (101/172). The mean age was 53.7±6.5 years, time since menopause 5.8±3.5 years, BMI 28.3±4.6 kg/m² and WC 89.0±11.4 cm. There were differences as the occurrence of smoking and diabetes, with greater frequency among fallers vs. non-fallers, 25.6 versus 16.1% and 12.8 versus 5.9%, respectively (p<0.05). By evaluating the risk of falls in the presence of influential variables, it was observed that risk increased with current smoking status (OR 1.93; 95%CI 1.01-3.71), whereas other clinical and anthropometric variables did not influence this risk. CONCLUSIONS: In early postmenopausal women there was higher frequency of falls. Current smoking was clinical indicators of risk for falls. With the recognition of factors for falling, preventive measures become important, as the orientation of abolishing smoking.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(11):490-496
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013001100003
PURPOSE: It was to evaluate the frequency and the risk factors of falls in early postmenopausal women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 358 women (age: 45-65 years and amenorrhea >12 months) with time since menopause <10 years. Exclusion criteria were: neurological or musculoskeletal disorders, vestibulopathies, uncorrected visual deficit, uncontrolled hypertension and postural hypotension, or drug use (sedative and hypnotic agents). A fall was identified as an unexpected unintentional change in position which causes an individual to remain in a lower level in relation to the initial position. The history of self-reported falls during the previous 24 months, and clinical and anthropometric data (body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC)) and bone densitometric measures were analyzed. For statistical analysis, c² trend test and the logistic regression method (odds ratio (OR)) were used for the comparison between groups of women with and without falls. RESULTS: Of the 358 women, 48.0% (172/358) had a history of falls and 17.4% (30/172) had fractures. The fall occurred indoors (at home) in 58.7% (101/172). The mean age was 53.7±6.5 years, time since menopause 5.8±3.5 years, BMI 28.3±4.6 kg/m² and WC 89.0±11.4 cm. There were differences as the occurrence of smoking and diabetes, with greater frequency among fallers vs. non-fallers, 25.6 versus 16.1% and 12.8 versus 5.9%, respectively (p<0.05). By evaluating the risk of falls in the presence of influential variables, it was observed that risk increased with current smoking status (OR 1.93; 95%CI 1.01-3.71), whereas other clinical and anthropometric variables did not influence this risk. CONCLUSIONS: In early postmenopausal women there was higher frequency of falls. Current smoking was clinical indicators of risk for falls. With the recognition of factors for falling, preventive measures become important, as the orientation of abolishing smoking.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(7):301-308
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000700004
PURPOSE: To evaluate sexual function in postmenopausal women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Case-control study with 195 postmenopausal women (amenorrhea ≥1 year, FSH≥30 mIU/mL, aged 43 to 69 years) seen at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de São Paulo and in the Basic Units of the Family Health Program of São Paulo. Clinical data were collected, and body mass index and waist circumference were evaluated. Total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterols, triglycerides, and fasting glucose were determined for biochemical analysis. We considered women to have the metabolic syndrome when they met three or more diagnostic criteria: waist circumference>88 cm and triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; cholesterol HDL <50 mg/dL; blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg, and fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL. The participants were divided into Control Group (n=87) and Metabolic Syndrome Group (n=108). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was employed to assess the sexual function. RESULTS: Mean age was 54.0±4.7 years. The rate of sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in women with the metabolic syndrome than in the Control Group, both when considering FSFI <26.5 (90/108 [83.3%] versus 42/87 [48.2%], p<0.0001) and FSFI <23 (62/108 [57.4%] versus 16/87 [18.39%], p<0.001). The domains desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm (p<0.001), and satisfaction (p=0.002) had lower scores in women with the metabolic syndrome. For the pain scores, there was no significant difference (p=0.57) between groups. All components of the metabolic syndrome diagnosis were associated with higher levels of sexual dysfunction (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome present more frequently sexual dysfunction than those of the same age who do not have it.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(7):301-308
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000700004
PURPOSE: To evaluate sexual function in postmenopausal women diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Case-control study with 195 postmenopausal women (amenorrhea ≥1 year, FSH≥30 mIU/mL, aged 43 to 69 years) seen at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences of Santa Casa de São Paulo and in the Basic Units of the Family Health Program of São Paulo. Clinical data were collected, and body mass index and waist circumference were evaluated. Total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterols, triglycerides, and fasting glucose were determined for biochemical analysis. We considered women to have the metabolic syndrome when they met three or more diagnostic criteria: waist circumference>88 cm and triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; cholesterol HDL <50 mg/dL; blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg, and fasting glucose ≥110 mg/dL. The participants were divided into Control Group (n=87) and Metabolic Syndrome Group (n=108). The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was employed to assess the sexual function. RESULTS: Mean age was 54.0±4.7 years. The rate of sexual dysfunction was significantly higher in women with the metabolic syndrome than in the Control Group, both when considering FSFI <26.5 (90/108 [83.3%] versus 42/87 [48.2%], p<0.0001) and FSFI <23 (62/108 [57.4%] versus 16/87 [18.39%], p<0.001). The domains desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm (p<0.001), and satisfaction (p=0.002) had lower scores in women with the metabolic syndrome. For the pain scores, there was no significant difference (p=0.57) between groups. All components of the metabolic syndrome diagnosis were associated with higher levels of sexual dysfunction (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome present more frequently sexual dysfunction than those of the same age who do not have it.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(4):153-158
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000400004
PURPOSE: To analyze the relationship between physical activity and body composition in menopausal women. METHODS: The study included 62 menopausal women aged 50 years or more (61.2±7.6). The practice of physical activity was assessed with an accelerometer and is reported as minutes per week of low physical activity and moderate plus vigorous physical activity, and total physical activity in counts. Lean mass and total fat mass were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and are reported as percentages. The relation between body composition variables and physical activity was evaluated by Spearman and Pearson correlation. Comparisons between groups were performed using the independent t test and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The age group 59 years or older had higher mean values of total physical activity in counts (1,307.081 versus 2,843.840) and of minutes per week of moderate-vigorous physical activity (273 versus 156 minutes). Women who completed 150 minutes or more of moderate-vigorous physical activity had significantly lower total fat mass (43.8 versus 47.2 kg), higher lean mass (53.8 versus 49.6 kg) and lower BMI (27.7 versus 30.5 kg/m²) when compared to those with less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Only time spent in moderate activities showed a significant negative correlation with the percentage of total fat (r=-0.26, p<0.05), whereas total physical activity in counts correlated with the percentage of lean body mass (r=0,30), percentage of total fat (r=-0.32), trunk fat (r=-0.29), and BMI (r=-0.32); all correlations were statistically significant at p<0.05. CONCLUSION: menopausal women aged 50 years or more who spent more minutes in moderate and vigorous activity and higher total physical activity counts showed lower fat mass and higher lean mass.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2013;35(4):153-158
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032013000400004
PURPOSE: To analyze the relationship between physical activity and body composition in menopausal women. METHODS: The study included 62 menopausal women aged 50 years or more (61.2±7.6). The practice of physical activity was assessed with an accelerometer and is reported as minutes per week of low physical activity and moderate plus vigorous physical activity, and total physical activity in counts. Lean mass and total fat mass were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and are reported as percentages. The relation between body composition variables and physical activity was evaluated by Spearman and Pearson correlation. Comparisons between groups were performed using the independent t test and Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The age group 59 years or older had higher mean values of total physical activity in counts (1,307.081 versus 2,843.840) and of minutes per week of moderate-vigorous physical activity (273 versus 156 minutes). Women who completed 150 minutes or more of moderate-vigorous physical activity had significantly lower total fat mass (43.8 versus 47.2 kg), higher lean mass (53.8 versus 49.6 kg) and lower BMI (27.7 versus 30.5 kg/m²) when compared to those with less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week. Only time spent in moderate activities showed a significant negative correlation with the percentage of total fat (r=-0.26, p<0.05), whereas total physical activity in counts correlated with the percentage of lean body mass (r=0,30), percentage of total fat (r=-0.32), trunk fat (r=-0.29), and BMI (r=-0.32); all correlations were statistically significant at p<0.05. CONCLUSION: menopausal women aged 50 years or more who spent more minutes in moderate and vigorous activity and higher total physical activity counts showed lower fat mass and higher lean mass.