Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation

Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation

Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Inflammatory Cytokines in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Omid Zafarmand 1
Mehdi Mogharnasi 2
1 Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, School of Humanities, University of Yasouj, Yasouj, Iran.
2 Department of Sports Sciences, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran
10.22038/jpsr.2026.88995.2714
Abstract
Purpose:
Menopause is associated with a decline in estrogen levels, which may lead to an increase in inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α, thereby elevating the risk of chronic diseases. Aerobic exercise has been proposed as a non-pharmacological intervention; however, its precise effects on these cytokines remain to be fully elucidated. Accordingly, the aim of the present meta-analysis is to investigate the impact of aerobic exercise on inflammatory cytokines in postmenopausal women.
Methods:
To collect relevant articles, the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Magiran, Irandoc, Noor Mags, and Sid were systematically searched, covering studies without a year restriction up to May 2025. To determine the effects of exercise interventions, the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model in CMA2 software. Additionally, the I² index was used to assess heterogeneity, and funnel plot and Egger’s tests were applied to examine publication bias.
Results:
The meta-analysis of 10 studies, including 11 aerobic exercise interventions involving 663 postmenopausal women, showed that aerobic exercise significantly reduced IL-6 compared to the control group (SMD=‌-0.700, P‌=‌0.017). However, these interventions did not have a significant effect on TNF-α (SMD‌=‌-0.267, P‌=‌0.148).
Conclusion:
Aerobic exercise in postmenopausal women led to a significant reduction in IL-6 levels compared to the control group, while no significant change was observed in TNF-α levels. Aerobic exercise can be recommended as a safe and effective intervention for reducing certain inflammatory markers.
Keywords
Aerobic exercise
IL-6
TNF-a
Women
Menopause
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Journal of Paramedical Sciences & Rehabilitation
Volume 15, Issue 1
Spring 2026
Pages 103-118