Effects of exercise training on systemic arterial pulse wave velocity in postmenopausal women: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

The present study demonstrated that exercise training may improve arterial stiffness in postmenopausal women, with particularly pronounced effects on cfPWV and central PWV. Subgroup analysis further revealed that participants aged < 65 years, those exercising ≥ 3 times weekly, and those engaging in aerobic exercise interventions all demonstrated significant reductions in SAPWV. Although the overall effect of exercise on SAPWV reached only marginal significance, more pronounced effects were observed within specific populations and exercise modalities. Future large-sample studies are needed to validate these findings further.