Effects of Toxicants on Physical Efficiency of Menopausal Women in Rural and Industrial Belt

Abstract

Present study evaluated the relationship of physical fitness, aerobic capacity and heart responses of Postmenopausal women (n=90 ) living in rural and urban area. Body fat percent was estimated by Siri equation putting the value of iliac skin fold thickness and arm skinfold thickness using Harpenden Skin fold Callipers. VO₂ max was determined by treadmill exercise with direct measurement of oxygen consumption. Blood pressure was measured by Sphygmomanometer and the radial pulse rate (Beats/Min) was measured. Anthropometric data (Height, body mass) was taken by using Anthropometer rod, weighing machine and data were compared among the subjects of both groups. Blood Haemoglobin of both groups was measured by spectrophotometrical technique and compared. Rural post-menopausal women had significantly (p<0.05) posses greater lean mass, physical efficiency and aerobic capacity than urban menopausal women. Urban menopausal women showed a significantly (p<0.05) lower cardio respiratory responses to exercise than women living in rural area. Insignificant (p>0.05) differences of hemoglobin concentration and body weight of rural women was noticed in respect to post-menopausal urban women. Good nutrients have stimulatory where as pollutants has some detrimental role on muscle strength and physical efficiency in either sex of human beings in all age group.