Exercise as Medicine — strength and dance to ease menopausal symptoms
Exercise as Medicine: A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Menopausal Symptoms
This project will test whether regular strength or dance-based exercise, done three times a week for eight weeks, can reduce menopausal symptoms and improve sleep in women aged 45–55.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 45 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Linnaeus University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kalmar) |
| Trial ID | NCT07351006 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial begins with a 45-woman pilot that assigns participants to strength training, dance-based training, or a control group, followed by a larger main trial powered from the pilot results. Interventions are digital, home-based programs delivered with a digital introductory meeting and performed three times per week for about 30 minutes over eight weeks. Outcomes include menopausal symptoms measured by the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), collected at baseline and two weeks after the intervention via electronic questionnaires. The study will also track adherence to the structured digital training programs and report effects on somatic, psychological, sexual symptoms and quality of life.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 45–55 who are experiencing menopausal symptoms, are biologically female, have not used menopausal symptom treatments in the past two months, and are not already highly physically active are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women with menopause from surgery or illness, those with medical contraindications to exercise, or those already exercising 150 minutes per week or more may not benefit from or be eligible for this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the interventions could provide a practical, non-drug option to reduce menopausal symptoms, improve sleep, and boost quality of life for affected women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials and observational studies suggest exercise can help mood and sleep in menopausal women, but evidence is mixed and direct comparisons of strength versus dance programs are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Biological female sex * Age 45-55 years * Experiencing menopausal symptoms, defined as irregular or altered menstruation plus at least one of the following: * Hot flashes or sweating * Sleep problems * Mood swings or depression * Dry mucous membranes * Recurrent urinary tract infections or overactive bladder * Joint pain * Decreased libido * Weight gain Exclusion Criteria: * Have taken medication or natural remedies for menopausal symptoms in the past 2 months * Menopause due to illness or surgical intervention * Medical conditions that contraindicate participation in the exercise intervention * Engaged in physical activity for ≥150 minutes per week, including ≥ 75 minutes at high intensity
Where this trial is running
Kalmar
- Sofia Ryman Augustsson — Kalmar, Sweden (Recruiting)
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.