A pivotal study from the University of Exeter highlights the significant benefits of resistance training on physical function for women undergoing menopause, suggesting exercise as an effective intervention amid age-related changes.
This research is significant as it provides evidence-based recommendations for healthcare providers to encourage resistance training in menopausal women, which could mitigate age-related physical decline and reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
A study from the University of Exeter shows that a 12-week resistance training program can substantially improve physical function in menopausal women, with benefits observed in hip strength, balance, and flexibility. The research specifically evaluated the Pvolve training method, noting that the program increased hip function by 19%, full-body flexibility by 21%, and dynamic balance by 10%. These findings support the incorporation of resistance training into care plans for menopausal women, potentially mitigating the impact of hormonal changes on physical health.
Understand the importance of resistance training during menopause and its effects on physical health.
Understanding menopause's impact on muscle mass and balance is crucial for healthcare planning.
Menopause significantly impacts women's physical function, increasing risks of muscle mass decline, balance issues, and resulting injuries.
Understanding these impacts helps tailor interventions for improving women's health during menopause.
Menopause is a critical period in a woman's life, marked by the cessation of menstruation and a significant drop in sex hormones. This phase often brings physical challenges, including decreased muscle mass and impaired balance, increasing the risk of falls and fractures.
The reduction in hormones such as estrogen accelerates age-related physical decline, necessitating interventions to preserve muscle strength and balance. As women age, maintaining skeletal muscle strength becomes essential to avoid debilitating injuries.
Resistance training can be an effective intervention to improve physical function during menopause.
Resistance training has been shown to positively affect physical prowess, enhancing strength, balance, and flexibility in menopausal women.
Exercise can mitigate the adverse effects of menopause on physical health by building strength and improving stability.
Research led by Professor Francis Stephens reveals that women participating in a resistance training program showed marked improvements across various physical metrics. The program included exercises with resistance bands, dumbbells, and bodyweight movements that target muscle strength and balance.
Professor Francis Stephens notes, 'Women often see a decline in their muscle strength and balance shortly before, during and after the menopause. This ultimately increases the risk of falls and fractures later in life.'
These exercises are particularly beneficial as they are accessible and can be performed at home. The study observed significant improvements in strength, balance, and flexibility, which are crucial for maintaining physical health during the menopause transition.
Implementing resistance training could benefit menopausal women, supporting overall health and reducing fall risk.
The outcomes demonstrate the importance of incorporating structured physical exercise programs for aging women to maintain health standards.
The study's results provide a clear framework for healthcare practitioners to recommend effective exercise regimens during menopause.
The University of Exeter study provides empirical evidence supporting the inclusion of resistance training in the healthcare plan for women in menopause. With the documented 19% improvement in hip strength and 21% increase in flexibility, healthcare providers can confidently recommend such programs to their patients.
Julie Cartwright, President of Pvolve, remarked, 'Women undergo tremendous physical change during the menopause transition, and this research shows that the Pvolve method can serve as an intervention, helping women to live better and feel better throughout their lives.'
This research serves as a basis for developing exercise guidelines tailored to menopausal women, potentially reducing healthcare costs associated with fall-related injuries. Future research could explore different modalities and longer durations to fully leverage the benefits of resistance training.
Svensen, E., Koscien, C. P., Alamdari, N., Wall, B. T., & Stephens, F. B. (2024). A Novel Low-Impact Resistance Exercise Program Increases Strength and Balance in Females Irrespective of Menopause Status. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 52(1), 1249-1258. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000003586
Seymour, T. (2025). First-of-its-kind study shows resistance training can improve physical function during menopause. Medical Xpress. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-01-kind-resistance-physical-function-menopause.html