Table 1.
Inclusion criteria | |
---|---|
Age |
45-74 years |
Post-menopausal status |
Self-reporting at least 12 months since last menses |
Mobility |
Reporting physically capable of exercise (yes/no) |
Physically inactive |
Self-reported exercise behavior (yes/no) |
Objectively determined sedentary |
Average ≤5,000 steps/day during screening |
Overweight/obese |
Objectively verified BMI 25 – 45 kg/m2 OR waist circumference >88 cm [29] |
Informed consent |
The capability and willingness to give written informed consent, to understand exclusion criteria, and to accept the randomized group assignment are required. |
Blood pressure |
Systolic values of 130-179 mmHg or diastolic pressure values of 85-99 mmHg. Participants taking blood pressure lowering medication and meeting the above criteria are still eligible. |
Exclusion criteria | |
Significant cardiovascular disease or disorders |
Including but not limited to arrhythmias, myocarditis, cardiomyopathy, congestive heart failure, stroke or transient ischemic cerebral attacks, peripheral vascular disease with intermittent claudication, acute, chronic or recurrent thrombophlebitis |
Other significant medical conditions |
Including but not limited to diabetes, chronic or recurrent respiratory, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, neurological, or psychiatric conditions. Musculoskeletal problems interfering with exercise. Immunodeficiency diseases or a positive HIV test. Malignancies in the past 5 years, with the exception of skin cancer therapeutically controlled. Any other medical condition or disease that is life-threatening or that can interfere with or be aggravated by exercise |
Recent blood donation |
Blood donation during the 6 weeks before the baseline evaluation (participants also will be asked to refrain from blood donation during study) |
Large weight loss |
20 or more kilograms in the past year |
Other exclusions | Hospitalization for mental illness within the past 5 years. Plans to be out of the city more than 3 weeks over the next 3 months. |