Partnership
Women in motion. This is the name of a research program from the Move laboratory (Mobility, aging and exercise), supported by the sport and health chair in conjunction with the University of Poitiers and the Poitiers University Foundation. Its objective is to study the effects of physical activity on the cardiovascular system of women, according to the different stages of their life.
In this context, a team of three researchers is particularly interested in the menopause period. A theme that is little developed in the scientific literature while nearly 14 million French women are affected by this hormonal change according to Inserm. “Only 1% of sports science studies are devoted to postmenopausal women”recalls Carina Enea, lecturer in exercise physiology in Poitiers, who works with Nathalie Delpech, her colleague, and Morgane Le Bourvellec, doctoral student.
“One in three women dies from cardiovascular disease”
The three researchers are already aware of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in women. “It is the leading cause of female mortality: one in three women die from it with stroke as the main culprit, affecting one in four women”underlines Carina Enea. And if this population is more exposed, it is because of a change in lifestyle habits. “Women consume more alcohol, smoke more, are more stressed and more inactive. »
In middle-aged women, the appearance of symptoms (hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, anxiety, etc.) also increases the risk of developing high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. “For these women, adopting an active lifestyle is essential and can improve their quality of lifeinsists the teacher-researcher. It is important to support the most inactive women so that they can increase their level of physical activity. »
In this sense, the Move laboratory team continues to recruit female volunteers, aged under 70, postmenopausal, short of breath during everyday efforts and without regular sports practice. Dr Barnabas Gellen, cardiologist at the Elsan polyclinic in Poitiers and involved in this research project, provides them with an in-depth cardiovascular assessment. In addition, participants follow exercise sessions by adapted physical activity professionals from the Sport santé 86 network. “The objective is to allow them to escape the spiral of deconditioning. »
Lower blood pressure
During her thesis, Morgane Le Bourvellec demonstrated that “all types of exercises such as Pilates, brisk walking or cycling are effective in lowering women’s blood pressure”book Carina Enea. Muscle strengthening is also most beneficial for postmenopausal women. And women who experience hot flashes or night sweats “respond best to these exercises”. Which makes him say: “It’s never too late to start an activity. »
To participate in the program: [email protected] or 05.49.45.37.72.
