Effect of Resistance Training on C-Reactive Protein and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Postmenopausal Women: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: With the onset of menopause, systemic inflammation and the risk of metabolic diseases increase in women. Resistance training, as an effective non-pharmacological intervention, can reduce this inflammation and improve metabolic health. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effects of resistance training on inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), in postmenopausal women.

Methods: A comprehensive search of Persian and English articles was conducted in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Magiran, Irandoc, Noor Mags, and SID from inception through August 28, 2025. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model and the standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals; heterogeneity was assessed with the I² index and publication bias was examined using a funnel plot and Egger’s test. In total, 11 studies (12 resistance-training interventions) including 392 postmenopausal women were analyzed.

Results: The results showed that resistance training intervention led to a non-significant change in CRP [SMD= -0.618, CI 95%: -1.162 ad -0.073, P= 0.008] and TNF-α [SMD= -0.603, CI 95%: -1.149 ad -0.057, P= 0.009] compared to the control group in postmenopausal women.

Conclusion: Although resistance training in postmenopausal women showed reductions in inflammatory markers such as CRP and TNF-α, these changes were not statistically significant. Nevertheless, the overall downward trend in inflammatory markers and the high safety profile of the intervention suggest the potential of resistance training to improve metabolic health. Future studies with larger sample sizes and more rigorously controlled designs are recommended to confirm these findings.