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Menopause

Research Reveals Speed Play Walking Exercise Benefits for Postmenopausal Women

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Research from the Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital suggests that Speed Play Walking Exercise (SPWE) can be an effective mechanical strategy for maintaining bone cell activity in postmenopausal women. The study, led by Damayanti Tinduh, found that SPWE with a moderate increase in cadence (15-35%) resulted in increased bone formation activity and reduced bone resorption in women with normal weight. However, the benefits were more pronounced in women with normal weight compared to those who were overweight.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study evaluated the rate of increased cadence in SPWE, which can reduce bone resorption and increase bone formation activities, associated with body mass index.
  • The research consisted of a four-group pre-post intervention design randomized clinical trial, including 32 postmenopausal women in normal-weight (NW) vs. overweight (OW) groups, divided into 2 groups of different walking speeds.
  • The intervention was SPWE with increased 15-35% or 50-80% from initial cadence as intervention target cadence, alternated with usual cadence, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks duration.
  • Variables were baseline CTx and NMid osteocalcin serum taken on pre and post 4 weeks exercise.
  • Results showed that sNMid osteocalcin was increased in groups walked with 15-35% increased cadence compared to group walked with 50-80% increased cadence (p=0.002 for NW group and p=0.042 for OW group, respectively).
  • NW group walked with 50-80% increased cadence showed the most decreased bone formation marker (p=0.019).
  • CTx/NMid ratio is reduced in NW group walked with 15-35% increased cadence, on the other hand, OW group walked with 50-80% increased cadence showed the most increased trend of CTx/NMid ratio.
  • The study suggests that SPWE with a rate of 15-35% increased from initial cadence is recommended for postmenopausal women to maintain bone formation activity, especially for those with normal weight.

Statistics:

  • 32 postmenopausal women participated in the study, divided into 2 groups of different walking speeds.
  • The study evaluated the rate of increased cadence in SPWE with 15-35% or 50-80% from initial cadence as intervention target cadence.
  • p=0.002 for NW group and p=0.042 for OW group showed significant increases in sNMid osteocalcin.
  • p=0.019 showed significant decrease in bone formation marker in NW group walked with 50-80% increased cadence.
  • CTx/NMid ratio was reduced in NW group walked with 15-35% increased cadence.

Sources:

  • Bone Adaptation Process on Post-menopausal Women after Speed Play Walking Exercise with Medium & High Increased Cadence. Surabaya Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Journal, 2025,7(1):27-42.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.20473/spmrj.v7i1.59596
  • Studies from Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Update Current Data on Menopause (Bone Adaptation Process on Post-menopausal Women after Speed Play Walking Exercise with Medium & High Increased Cadence). OBGYN & Reproduction Week. October 20, 2025; p 7096.

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