Exercise as Medicine: A Non-Pharmacological Approach to Menopausal Symptoms

Summary

The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of different forms of physical exercise in women experiencing menopausal symptoms. Specifically, the project investigates the effects of: (1) strength training on women's perceived menopausal symptoms; (2) dance-based exercise on women's perceived menopausal symptoms; and (3) adherence to structured, digital home-based exercise programs.

The following research questions will be addressed within the framework of the project:

Does regular strength training reduce women's perceived menopausal symptoms?

To what extent does strength training influence menopausal symptoms and sleep quality in women?

What is the level of adherence to a digital, home-based strength training program among women with menopausal symptoms?

Does regular dance-based physical activity reduce women's perceived menopausal symptoms?

To what extent does dance-based physical activity influence menopausal symptoms and sleep quality in women?

What is the level of adherence to a digital, home-based dance exercise program among women with menopausal symptoms?

Which exercise protocol-strength training or dance-based exercise-has the greatest effect on perceived menopausal symptoms?

The researchers will compare a digital, home-based strength training program with a digital, home-based dance exercise program, as well as with a control group, to determine which type of exercise has the greatest effect on menopausal symptoms and sleep quality.

Participants will:

Perform either dance-based exercise or strength training for 8 weeks, three times per week, following a structured program of approximately 30 minutes per session, or participate as part of the control group.

Complete validated questionnaires assessing menopausal health, including somatic, psychological, and sexual symptoms, as well as perceived quality of life and sleep quality, both before and after the intervention.

Maintain a training diary to monitor adherence and progression, including increases in training intensity

Conditions

• Menopause Syndrome
• Sleep Disturbance

Interventions

OTHER

Strength training

The strength training intervention consists of an 8-week program performed 3 times per week, with sessions lasting \~30 minutes. Designed by a licensed physiotherapist, the program targets major muscle groups and includes a warm-up followed by structured exercises. Training uses body weight and simple household equipment, such as chairs and filled water bottles, at an intensity of 8-12 repetition maximum. Each exercise has three to four difficulty levels. Before starting, participants test and select an appropriate level for each exercise to ensure correct intensity. Participants perform at a level allowing at least eight repetitions and progress once they can complete more than twelve. This enables individualized, progressive training. After each session, participants record the difficulty level and number of repetitions in a training diary. For the full-scale intervention, exercise selection, intensity, and volume may be adjusted, and the program will be extended to 15 weeks.

OTHER

Dance-based training

Participants in the dance-based intervention will exercise three times per week at moderate intensity, following a structured 30-minute program performed individually at home via pre-recorded sessions. After each session, participants will complete a training diary and rate perceived exertion using the Borg RPE scale (6-20), targeting at least moderate intensity (RPE ≥ 14), adjusting effort accordingly. The program was developed and recorded by a licensed physiotherapist, pilot-tested with a small group, and reviewed by a supervising expert who provided feedback. Participants can ask questions and receive guidance on performing the exercises. For the full-scale intervention, exercise selection, intensity, and volume may be refined, and the program will be conducted over 15 weeks.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Linnaeus University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

45 Years

Max Age

55 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-11-01

Primary Completion

2026-05-31

Completion

2026-12-31

Countries

• Sweden

Study Locations