HIIT + RT on Body Composition and Gut Microbiota in Postmenopausal Women (PACWOMan)

Postmenopausal women, as men, are more prone to central or android obesity than premenopausal women. Recently, some studies have shown that obesity is associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and gut microbiota could be responsible of fat mass accumulation. Moreover, abdominal fat mass accumulation is associated with an increase of cardiovascular disease risks. Recent studies suggest that physical activity may positively alter gut microbiota composition. Accumulating evidence suggests that high intensity interval training (HIIT) is an effective strategy for reducing body fat of overweight individuals, especially at the abdominal level. Resistance Training (RT) is associated with increased muscle mass and strength gain in main muscle groups. Thus, RT is also an interesting modality to fight against deconditioning and autonomy loss with age. The aim of the study was to observed the effects of a 12-week high intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training (RT) program on gut microbiota and body composition changes in postmenopausal women. It is hypothesized that HIIT +RT will improve gut microbiota and body composition (including whole body and (intra)-abdominal fat mass) in a concomitant and parallel way.