Online combined aerobic and resistance exercise program for women with menopausal symptoms
Impact of Concurrent Training on Physical and Psychological Health in Women Experiencing Menopause
This 12-week online combined aerobic and resistance exercise program will see if it reduces menopausal symptoms in women aged 40–60 who are in perimenopause or within five years after menopause.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University College Dublin Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Dublin, Dublin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07417228 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Seventy women aged 40–60 in perimenopause or within five years postmenopause will be randomized to a 12-week online concurrent training program or a control group that maintains usual activity. The intervention consists of three 45-minute Zoom classes per week (5-minute warm-up, 15 minutes aerobic, 20 minutes resistance, 5-minute cool-down) led by qualified sport and exercise scientists using bodyweight and resistance bands. Pre- and post-intervention assessments include the MenQoL (primary outcome), questionnaires on mood, anxiety, body image and sleep (PHQ-9, GAD-7, BAS-2, PSQI), physical tests (Bod Pod, grip strength, 3-RM lifts, countermovement jump, submaximal fitness) and activity tracking. Randomization is generated independently at University College Dublin and the control group will be offered a post-study workshop on exercise benefits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women aged 40–60 who are in perimenopause or within five years postmenopause, medically able to do combined aerobic and resistance exercise, not currently in structured exercise programs, and able to attend UCD testing and join live Zoom sessions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women with BMI outside 18.5–35, current chronic illness or mental health disorder, recent surgery, current psychotropic medication use, hysterectomy, hormonal contraceptive use, active substance abuse, or without reliable internet access are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce menopausal symptoms and improve physical fitness, strength, mood and sleep quality for participating women.
How similar studies have performed: Previous exercise trials for menopausal symptoms have shown mixed but promising reductions in symptoms and improvements in mood and fitness, while fully online randomized concurrent training programs are less commonly tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Women experiencing perimenopause (irregular menstrual cycles of ≥7-day difference in cycle length of consecutive menstrual cycles) and early postmenopause (\< 5 years post menopause). 2. Able to safely engage in a concurrent training interventions that combine both aerobic and resistance training. 3. Must have reliable internet access and a device capable of participating in online training on zoom. 4. Willingness and ability to provide informed consent and comply with study procedures. 5. Aged between 40 and 60 years Exclusion Criteria: 1. BMI \>35 and \<18.5. 2. Currently taking psychotropic medication 3. Has undergone a hysterectomy 4. Current substance abuse 5. Current diagnosis of a mental health disorder 6. Current diagnosis of a chronic illness 7. Currently participating in other structured exercise programmes. 8. Recent surgery or hospitalisation in the past 6 months. 9. Currently taking hormonal contraceptive
Where this trial is running
Dublin, Dublin
- University College Dublin — Dublin, Dublin, Ireland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brian D Spring, BSc and MSc
- Email: brian.spring@ucd.ie
- Phone: 0860795259
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.