Resistance exercise to improve thinking during perimenopause
Resistance Training and Cognitive Health in Perimenopause
NA · University of British Columbia · NCT07272174
This program will test whether twice-weekly progressive resistance training for six months helps memory and thinking in physically inactive perimenopausal biological females aged 40–55 who have noticed cognitive changes.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | University of British Columbia (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07272174 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a 26-week, assessor-blinded, randomized proof-of-concept trial enrolling 50 physically inactive perimenopausal biological females aged 40–55 with subjective cognitive complaints. Participants are randomized to twice-weekly progressive resistance training (lifting free weights or using weight machines) or to balance, flexibility, and tone (BAT) exercises, with interventions delivered over 26 weeks. The primary outcome is change in verbal episodic memory measured by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (20-minute delay), with additional cognitive and brain-health measures collected. The trial tests whether targeted resistance training during the menopause transition can counter the memory and brain changes many females report at midlife.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are physically inactive biological females aged 40–55 who are perimenopausal, report subjective cognitive complaints, have a MoCA score >26, and can safely perform moderate-intensity resistance exercise.
Not a fit: People already doing regular progressive resistance training, those with diagnosed cognitive impairment or dementia, or individuals who cannot safely exercise due to cardiac or other medical risks are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve verbal memory during perimenopause and provide a low-cost approach to support midlife brain health.
How similar studies have performed: While exercise has improved cognition in older adults, randomized trials of progressive resistance training specifically in perimenopausal females are novel and have not been previously reported.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Are biological females, as assigned at birth * Are aged between 40 and 55 years * Had at least 1 menstrual period in the last 10 months * Are perimenopausal based on STRAW +10 Staging System, or answer "yes" to MQ6 questions of changes in periods, having hot flashes, or vaginal dryness, pain, or sexual concerns * Have an intact uterus * Have a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score \>26/30, indicating normal cognition * Have subjective cognitive complaints defined as responding "yes" to "Do you feel like your memory or thinking is becoming worse?" * Completed high school education * Read and speak English with acceptable visual and auditory acuity * Are able to safely engage in moderate-intensity PRT as indicated by the PAR-Q+; and * Are able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Are engaged in regular PRT (i.e., 2x/week) in the prior three months * Are diagnosed with cognitive impairment or dementia of any type * Are at high risk for cardiac complications during exercise * Have clinically important peripheral neuropathy or severe musculoskeletal or joint disease that impairs mobility * Are taking medications that negatively affect cognitive function, such as anticholinergics, major tranquilizers, and anticonvulsants * Have a BMI \<15 or anorexia nervosa; g) had surgical menopause * Had endometrial ablation that resulted in the loss of menstruation * Have polycystic ovarian syndrome * Currently undergoing chemo * Are using estrogen-containing contraception in the last 12 months * Had premature ovarian failure; or * Are already enrolled in a drug or exercise trial
Where this trial is running
Vancouver, British Columbia
- University of British Columbia — Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD — University of British Columbia
- Study coordinator: Teresa Liu-Ambrose, PhD
- Email: teresa.ambrose@ubc.ca
- Phone: 6046178047
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.
Conditions: Perimenopause, Subjective Cognitive Complaints, progressive resistance training, perimenopause