Natural and Life Sciences Communications · Apr 8, 2026
Regular Square-Stepping Exercise Promotes Arterial Function in Postmenopausal Women
By Nakmareong S, Thasomboon M, Wongsaya E et al.
Menopause accelerates declines in vascular function and physical performance, particularly among women with elevated blood pressure. Interventions that can simultaneously target both vascular and functional domains offer important clinical opportunities. This study investigated the efficacy of a 4-week square-stepping exercise program on arterial stiffness, balance, and endurance in postmenopausal women with elevated blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension. Thirty-two postmenopausal women (mean age 53.8 ± 2.3 years) were randomly assigned to either a square-stepping exercise group (n = 16) or a non-exercise control group (n = 16). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, independent samples t-tests, and Pearson correlations coefficients (P < 0.05). The exercise group performed moderate intensity square-step exercise for 40 minutes/session, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. Arterial stiffness (brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, baPWV), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go test), and functional endurance (2-minute step test) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. After 4 weeks, the square-stepping exercise group demonstrated a significant improvement in arterial function, indicated by a reduction in baPWV (Δ = -0.91 m/s, P < 0.05). Balance and cardiorespiratory endurance also improved significantly in the exercise group (P < 0.05). Correlation analyses revealed that the magnitude of baPWV reduction was positively associated with balance improvements (r = 0.61, P < 0.001) and also related with endurance gains (r = -0.46, P < 0.01). A short-term square-stepping program represents an effective intervention for concurrently enhancing vascular function, balance, and endurance in postmenopausal women with elevated blood pressure. This approach may reduce cardiovascular risk and promote functional independence in this population.