Resistance exercise to improve thinking during perimenopause

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 for in-person or \>=19/22 for telephone , 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 it's running

• 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

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.