The effect of moderate-intensity aerobic training on pulmonary function and estrogen receptor-alpha gene in postmenopausal women with vitamin D deficiency: A randomized control trial.

Background: The impact of aerobic training on pulmonary function by modulating gene expression of estrogen receptor-alpha (ERα), sex hormones and 25-hydroxy vitamin D (Vit D) in postmenopausal women (PMW) with Vit D deficiency is uncertain.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of 12 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training on pulmonary function, ERα gene expression, serum levels of sex hormones and Vit D in PMW with Vit D deficiency.

Methods: Twenty-nine sedentary PMW with Vit D deficiency (aged 45-65 yrs) were randomized to exercise (EX, n = 15) and control (C, n = 14) groups. The EX group performed moderate-intensity aerobic training for 12 weeks (50-60 min/day, 3 days/week at 65-70% of maximal heart rate reserve), but the C group participated in no intervention and maintain their normal lifestyle during 12 weeks. The pulmonary function parameters, ERα gene expression, serum levels of sex hormones and Vit D were measured at baseline and week-12.

Results: After 12 weeks of aerobic exercise intervention, the increase in lymphocyte ERα gene expression (p = 0.005, estimate of effect size/Eta = 32.8%) and serum Vit D (p = 0.001, Eta = 54.7%) were significantly higher in the EX group compared to the C group, whereas pulmonary function parameters and sex hormones (17β-estradiol and progesterone) were not significantly different (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The results suggested that 12 weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training increased lymphocyte ERα gene expression as well as serum Vit D in sedentary PMW with Vit D deficiency although pulmonary function was not improved.