Ankle stiffness in postmenopausal women: influence of hormone therapy and menopause nature

Methods Ninety-three women participated in this study. The data concerning menopause were obtained through medical consultation. MTU stiffness was assessed in vivo using a damped oscillation technique and a load equivalent to 30% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction. Results None of the following pair groups showed statistical differences for MTU stiffness: the HT group (19 426 +/- 4148 N/m) and the without-HT group (20 056 +/- 3579 N/m); the natural menopause group (19 525 +/- 3718 N/m) and the induced menopause group (20 469 +/- 4705 N/m). No significant differences were also found between the following pair groups: the natural menopause with-HT group (19 078 +/- 3910 N/m) and the without-HT group (20 076 +/- 3442 N/m); the induced menopause with-HTgroup (20 756 +/- 4932 N/m) and the without-HT group (19 942 +/- 4656 N/m). Conclusion The data suggest that MTU stiffness is not related to either the administration of HT in postmenopausal women or to the nature of menopause.