How twice-weekly weight training affects blood vessel health in perimenopause
Investigating Resistance Training for Vascular Function and Quality of Life in Perimenopausal Women
This trial will test whether lifting weights twice a week for 16 weeks helps improve blood vessel health, mood, sleep, and menopause symptoms in women experiencing perimenopause.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07022340 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Researchers will run a 16-week randomized controlled trial in perimenopausal women, comparing a supervised resistance training program (two sessions per week) with a control group that receives weekly health education emails. Participants will have baseline and end-of-study measures of vascular function, including arterial stiffness and blood vessel reactivity, plus blood and urine samples. Surveys will capture sleep quality, mood, and menopause-specific quality of life, and exercise testing will monitor fitness and safety. Outcomes in the exercise and control groups will be compared to see if resistance training leads to measurable improvements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 40–60 with recent menstrual irregularities who are not currently doing regular resistance training, are not on hormone therapy, are able to exercise, and can attend morning visits at the University of Michigan are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women who already do regular resistance exercise, are outside the 40–60 age range, have had surgical menopause, are taking hormone replacement therapy or certain chronic medications, or cannot attend the study site are unlikely to benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve vascular health and also reduce menopausal symptoms, improve sleep, and boost mood for perimenopausal women.
How similar studies have performed: Prior trials show resistance training can improve mood, sleep, and some cardio risk factors, but results for direct measures of vascular function in midlife and postmenopausal women have been mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* Are between 40-60 years old * Have had menstrual irregularities in the last 12 months * Do not currently complete more than two 30-min sessions of structured exercise per week and do not do any resistance training exercise; * Are not currently pregnant * Do not smoke or vape nicotine or marijuana * Have not had an oophorectomy, hysterectomy, or surgical menopause * Are not currently taking hormone replacement therapy * Have not taken hormone replacement therapy in the last 6 months * Are not taking steroidal medication or medication to treat diabetes, cholesterol, or high blood pressure * Are able to exercise - your doctor has not told you that you cannot exercise * Can attend a morning study visit at the University of Michigan's School of Kinesiology Building * Are willing to avoid food 2 hours prior to the morning study visit * Are willing to avoid strenuous exercise, caffeine, and alcohol, 8 hours prior to the morning study visit * Are willing to participate in an exercise training program or health education program for 16 weeks
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan School of Kinesiology — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marnie K. McLean, M.S. — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Marnie K. McLean, M.S.
- Email: mcmarnie@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-615-1711
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.