OBJECTIVE:: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of programmed exercise for at least 12 weeks, in postmenopausal women on insulin sensitivity-related outcomes (ISROs), including fasting insulin, C-peptide, insulin growth factor (IGF-1) and IGF-binding protein (IGFBP-3), Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and anthropometric variables. METHODS:: Searches were conducted in PubMed-Medline, Embase,

more »

... s, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception through May 3, 2016, for studies published in all languages. Extracted data included characteristics of the study design, study participants, intervention, and outcome measures. Types of exercise were classified into "mid-term exercise intervention" (MTEI, 3-4 months exercise duration) and a "long-term exercise intervention" (LTEI, 6-12 months exercise duration). Risk of bias in RCTs was evaluated with the Cochrane tool. We used random-effects models for metaanalyses. We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RESULTS:: Seven RCTS (n?=?580) evaluating the effects of programmed exercise on ISROs were included. In three RCTs, MTEI