ABSTRACT

          Background and Objective: The present study aims at investigating the possible effect of 8-week aerobic exercise on undercarboxylated osteocalcin and beta cell function in postmenopausal women.

         Methods: The study included 20 postmenopausal women with mean weight, height and body mass index of 78.94 ± 5.72 kg, age 48.69 ± 3.21 years, 160.37 ± 4.12 cm and 30.72 ± 2.37 kg/m2. The participants were randomly selected and divided into experimental and control groups. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before the experiment and after eight weeks of exercise. Aerobic exercise was performed for eight weeks, three sessions per week with intensity of 65-70% of heart rate. Data analysis for intragroup and intergroup differences was done using paired and independent t-test, respectively. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.            

         Results: The level of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in the experimental group decreased significantly compared to control group (P<0.049). The level of beta cell function index in the experimental group increased significantly after the 8-week exercise program compared to  control group (P<0.014).

         Conclusion: Exercise increases the level of undercarboxylated osteocalcin in postmenopausal women that has important consequences, especially for those at risk of developing diabetes.

            Keywords: Exercise, Osteocalcin, Hemoglobin A, Glycosylated, Postmenopause.